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From: 2141smh@aluxe.UUCP (S. M. Henning,)
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: Re: Cars in Very Cold Weather
Message-ID: <649@aluxe.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 23-Jan-85 20:52:51 EST
Article-I.D.: aluxe.649
Posted: Wed Jan 23 20:52:51 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 24-Jan-85 19:43:43 EST
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Distribution: net
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories, Allentown, PA
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****                                                                 ****
From the keys of Steve Henning, AT&T Bell Labs, Reading, PA aluxe!2141smh

> 	what happens to cars in such weather, and what sorts of things
> 	can be done to alleviate the resulting problems?  

Here are a few things I've learned the hard way.

1) My number 1 problem has been water in the gas tank.  This becomes obvious
in cars with carbs since the water freezes in the float chamber. With fuel
injection it is not so easy to find or fix.  Dry gas is a cheap and easy
solution.  It works best when used in advance.  However 2 cans after the
problem has started may help if you are real lucky.  Otherwise you have to
be towed to a warm garage.

2) Worn spark plugs are my number 2 problem.  In the winter the battery is
operating at a real disadvantage and the voltage is low, the spark is weak,
and worn plugs are fatal.  I always put new plugs in at the start of the 
cold weather.  Once in -15 degree weather I had to use new plugs which were
warmed up to start.  I got frost-bite doing it.

3) A weak battery of course is fatal.  I haven't had that problem, however
corroded or loose terminals are equally bad and can be prevented.  After the
terminals are cleaned and tight, just coat with motor honey, stp, or some other
gooey greasy substance.

4) Whenever it gets down below zero in my unheated garage I put on a trickle 
charger to peak up the charge and add some warmth (2 amps times 12 volts is 24
watts of heat) to my battery.

5) Last, I buy Volvos.

I hope this article doesn't jinx me.