To Cold for Old Lady

[Guernsey Donkey]

Hi all
My old 1986 vw has decided that it does not want to go out in the cold, the engine flatly refuses to even turn over unless I warm up the starter / solenoid with hairdryer (she is a proud old girl), any suggestions other than giving her an extra blanket and hot water bottle, I do tuck her in every night and read her a good night story.

I am getting as barmy as some of you !!!! NO names mentioned.

Thanks
Guernsey Donkey

 

[Boxerman]

, any suggestions other than giving her an extra blanket and hot water bottle, I do tuck her in every night and read her a good night story.

I can remember these type of things being popular in the old days or keeping the worst of the cold away:
Parasene Greenhouse Cold Frame Heater Paraffin - Frost on eBay (end time 16-Jan-10 18:13:57 GMT)

Or a 150watt bulb under the bonnet to take the edge of the cold off.

Frank

 

[Hallii]

The starter needs to come out, be cleaned and re oiled (lightly), Old oil or grease will set solid when cold and stop the solenoid pulling the sleeve forward to engage the starter proper.

I would clean the commutator and have a look at the brushes at the same time.

It might be that the battery voltage is a bit low and a better voltage might overcome the stickyness. A cold battery (and minus 7 /8 Celsius has not been uncommon lately) will give a lot less umph (technical term) than a nice warm battery.

A rebuilt starter costs about £100.

Hallii

 

[marzy]

Hi all
My old 1986 vw has decided that it does not want to go out in the cold, the engine flatly refuses to even turn over unless I warm up the starter / solenoid with hairdryer (she is a proud old girl), any suggestions other than giving her an extra blanket and hot water bottle, I do tuck her in every night and read her a good night story.

I am getting as barmy as some of you !!!! NO names mentioned.

Thanks
Guernsey Donkey

Sounds like that van has a good life!