The old oil chestnut again

[Colin Wilks]

As intimated at the outset, there's nothing new under the sun! Interesting exchange on the old forum from nearly eight years ago:
http://pub25.bravenet.com/forum/static/s...2&cmd=show

On reflection, I suspect the trick for my filterless splash fed engine is to have something that provides the least resistance to cold cranking (which I think argues for a straight monograde rather than a multigrade) and, as Hugh says, to change it frequently.

[Reckless Rat]

Well I gave the car another go today, bearing in mind that I had a good run out yesterday with the dynamo set on "winter" so the battery was fully topped up.
It did start, but cranking speed was still slow. I still can't decide whether it's just the cold, or perhaps the battery isn't giving of its best. If that nice old man in the red suit brings me some beer tokens next week I might just treat myself to a new battery. (and some counselling)

[Derek Simmons]

Well I gave the car another go today, bearing in mind that I had a good run out yesterday with the dynamo set on "winter" so the battery was fully topped up.
It did start, but cranking speed was still slow. I still can't decide whether it's just the cold, or perhaps the battery isn't giving of its best. If that nice old man in the red suit brings me some beer tokens next week I might just treat myself to a new battery. (and some counselling)

Hi Reckless,
Fret not as everything you are saying is probably normal for our dear old cars and you are not alone with this problem!
I too have this problem in the cold winter but have no problem with starting in the summer months!  In winter, if I want to use my Ruby I remove the battery and put it on low charge overnight in the house and when it's popped back into the car the next day it turns the engine & fires up as if it's summer!
Try it, if it works, then it's the cold affecting the battery and your battery could be fine! Car batteries do not last for ever and need a bit of TLC!  A heated garage would be a boon but not many of us can afford that luxury?
Any car battery could become sluggish in very cold weather and the ability of the battery to provide enough clout to start the car is reduced! My personal experience tells me that buying a cheap battery for a car isn't always the best idea as some more expensive ones have better cold cranking amperage (CCA) which helps so when my Ruby's battery needs replacing I'm planning to explore better CCA batteries in hope it helps.