This is getting ridiculous- cold starting issue

[John]

To date I've replaced the starter, battery, coil, plugs, wires, cap and rotor. I've installed a dual battery set up and engine block heater too.

This morning it was -20? outside and the block heater had been on for like 3-4 hours and the damned starter still was acting up. I turn the key (feels like turning through molassas) and the starter free spins without turning the fly wheel. A couple of tries later and it's spinning and then clashing teeth, and then a couple tries later it finally starts.

I'll be pulling the new starter on Saturday and having it tested just to be sure, and I'll even test the one that I just took off and put on my son's Jeep. I suspect the starter won't be the issue.

So does ANYONE have any idea's?

[PK99TJ]

Did you replace the wiring to the starter motor when you replaced the starter?

[John]

I have replaced and upgraded the cable from the battery to the starter, but not the other one. It's on my list of things to "fix" though

[mrblaine]

Originally posted by John
To date I've replaced the starter, battery, coil, plugs, wires, cap and rotor. I've installed a dual battery set up and engine block heater too.

This morning it was -20? outside and the block heater had been on for like 3-4 hours and the damned starter still was acting up. I turn the key (feels like turning through molassas) and the starter free spins without turning the fly wheel. A couple of tries later and it's spinning and then clashing teeth, and then a couple tries later it finally starts.

I'll be pulling the new starter on Saturday and having it tested just to be sure, and I'll even test the one that I just took off and put on my son's Jeep. I suspect the starter won't be the issue.

So does ANYONE have any idea's?

Get a halogen shop light and set a timer to turn it on a few hours before you go out to start the rig. Point it at the starter.

The block heater won't warm the starter and it sounds like whatever lube is in it won't let the the plunger kick in to engage it in the ring gear when it gets cold.

Warm the starter.

[John]

That's not a bad idea if I can keep it from blowing away. But I still have the same problem after work to contend with so maybe tearing the starter apart and using a better grease?

[Allen]

Do you run synthetic oil?

That won't cure it, but will likely help if you already don't.

[John]

Have for years, and now in the cold I really know the benefit of it.