COLD STARTING .......I KNOW IT'S BEEN DISCUSSED B4.......but

[stivh]

Hi folks as usual my 2.5 d is enjoying these cold mornings.......by not starting with the twin battery set up I have!

I know this has been discussed B4...............................

However I always keep a spare in the footwell to jump start off of and it usually works unless really, really cold.

Now a neighbour has got a three year old transit and his battery is in the footwell as standard so if I shift these batteries into the rear of my seat or under the front passengers will it help. I never had a problem when they are warm as I have taken them off and stored in the house overnight to see if this theory worked.

Also at our local Costco they have got a huge battery for around £50.00 (for the caravanette type american vans that you can get now) is this a better choice or will the alternator struggle to keep this chunk of lead and acid juiced up?

[MrMPuk]

I've only got one piddly little battery and a hell of a lot of stereo equipment and don't haev and problems starting ever! If I was you i'd forget about a new battery and check all the connections on the starter and the earths to the engine!

[stivh]

I have two piddly (7 month old) batteries as well, plus minidisc 6 speakers and a Sub' (Hence the second battery feed) but no heater plugs so it's good old friction heat and combustion that I rely on.

Alternator and starter are in perfect order. Battteries just don't give enough umph at initial burst. That's why I use a warm third.

Years ago good old Easystart was the solution but we all know now what problems that can cause a cold engine.

Has anyone who does not have heater plugs fitted tried moving the battery or found a solution?

[MrMPuk]

Try what I said first as I have the same van as you and don't have a problem starting, even on the coldest days! Check your connections!

[gemini]

a good Di engine only needs to turn over and it will start

[MrMPuk]

Not if it's not turning over quick enough! It'll just flaten the battery if it's turning over to slow!

[stevew]

What is the Cold Cranking Amps rating on your batteries? Are your twin batteries setup in parallel or with some split charging arrangement?
Your alternator will be able to charge a bigger battery with no problem but like MRMP says it may make no difference. It's all about the cranking current capability. I wouldn't move the batteries either. You'll have to use massive cable so as to avoid volt drop over the extra distance from the starter.
There are expensive options to deal with cold starting problems such as using a diesel heater to pre-heat your engine. It'd start from warm every time and cut right back on engine ware but cost 1000's Not really an option. Back in the day when cars were cars some manufacturers used to offer a mains powered emmersion heater as an option I bet they did the trick on cold mornings!
Anyway my money is on the current capability of your battery. Mine is 680A and I have had (touch wood) no problems.
Steve

[MrMPuk]

You can get the 240V emersion heaters that just go in the water pipes and circulate hot water, mate of mine just fitted one to his Trooper and it only cost him about £150! His motor starts first time everytime now!

Still don't think this is the answer though!

[stevew]

Interesting though. Just imagine, you go to your van first thing on a very cold morning. The van starts in one turn and heater imediately starts blowing hot air! Mmmmm, warm!
Steve

[MrMPuk]

That's okay as long as you can run 240V to the van!

[stevew]

You could use a small generator, of course you'd have to get up at 6.00 to start it!
Steve

[MrMPuk]

I dunno what the rating was on the heater but if it's anything like a kettle element then a small generator wont run it!

[stevew]

Alright then a big generator. Use the small generator to heat the big one, make it easier to start!
Steve

[FredTransit]

Why not just run out an extention cable? You could use one of those low powered greenhouse heaters, to keep under the bonnet above freezing, might be just enough to give it a bit of incentive. Or you could just sort out the cold starting!

[tim]

I had same problem,bought the dogs ~~~~ of a battery still no good.took it round to the dealers,lazy starter mate i was told.bought new starter,starts every time first time even with the old battery
Tim