Operation In Cold Weather

Operation in cold weather conditions presents problems that demand special precautions and extra servicing if failures are to be avoided. Due to condensation of moisture, water will accumulate in tanks  and fuel containers. At low temperatures, this water will form ice crystals that will clog fuel lines and carburetor jets unless precautions are taken.

1) Storage and handling of Gasoline
a) Strain the fuel through filter paper or any other type of strainer to prevent the transfer of water.
b) Keep the fuel tank full if possible. This will reduce condensation space in the tank.
c) Add 1/2 pint of denatured alcohol, Grade 3, to the fuel tank each time it is filled. This will reduce ice formation.
d) Ensure fuel containers are free from rust before storing fuel in them.
e) After filling or moving a fuel container, allow the fuel to settle before filling tank
f) Keep all fuel containers tight closed to prevent snow, ice, dirt and other foreign matter from entering.
g) Wipe away all snow and ice from dispensing equipment and filler cap, before removing cap to refuel

2) Lubrication - Transmission and Differentials
a) Universal gear lubricant, SAE80, is suitable for use at temperatures as low as -20F. If a consistent temperature of below 0F is anticipated, drain the gear cases while warm and replace with Grade 75 gear lubricant ( or Grade 80 diluted with fuel 1 fuel to 6 oil ) which is suitable for all temperatures below -32F.
b) After engine has warmed up, engage clutch and maintain a fast idle for 5 minutes or until gears can be engaged. Use low gear for first 100 yards which will warm up the gear lubricants to a point where normal operation can be expected.
c) Lubricate chassis points with general purpose grease No 0.
d) Drain steering gear housing and refill with Grade 75 gear lubricant ( or diluted Grade 80 as above )
e) For oilcan points where engine oil is normally used, use light lubricating oil, preserving oil.

3) Protection of Cooling System
a) Use anti-freeze compound ( ethylene-glycol type ) for operation below +32F.
b) Before adding anti-freeze, clean the cooling system and completely free it from rust.
c) Inspect and repair any leaks in the cooling system.
d) When adding anti-freeze to the system, fill the radiator to about 1/3 capacity. Then add anti-freeze to the proportions shown in the following table. Protect to at least 10F below the lowest temperature expected.

 

Temperature	Anti-Freeze Quantity
+10F	3 Quarts
0F	3  3/4 Quarts
-10F	4  1/2 Quarts
-20F	4  3/4 Quarts
-30F	5  1/2 Quarts
-40F	6 Quarts

e) After adding the anti-freeze, fill with water to slightly below the filler neck, then start and warm the engine to normal operating temperature. 
f) Stop the engine and check the strength with a hydrometer, adding more anti-freeze if required.
g) Inspect the coolant weekly for strength and colour. If rusty, drain, clean and refill.
h) It is essential that anti-freeze containers are kept clean and free from dirt, rust, oil and water.
i) Use an accurate hydrometer. To test the hydrometer, use one part anti-freeze to two parts water which will produce a reading of 0 Degrees F.
j) Do not spill anti-freeze on painted surfaces.

4) Electrical System
a) Check that the brushes, commutators and bearings on the starter motor and generator are clean. Good contact is required for the large current required during cold starts.
b) Check the wiring is clean and that all contacts, especially the battery terminals, are tight.
c) Check coil for proper functioning and strong spark.
d) Clean distributor points. In cold weather, slightly pitted points may prevent starting.
e) Clean and re-gap spark plugs. Gap can be reduced to 0.005 inch which will make ignition more effective at lower voltages which are likely to prevail.
f) Check the timing is set correctly
g) Battery efficiency drops sharply with low temperatures. Do not try to start the engine if the battery has been chilled to less than -30F. Use a warm slave battery. See that the battery is always fully charged and that the hydrometer readings are between 1.275 and 1.300.
h) Do not add water to a battery unless it is to be immediately charged, as it will freeze before mixing with the acid.
i) Inspect the lights for short circuits and the presence of moisture around the sockets.

5) Starting and Operating the Engine
a) Ensure that no heavy grease or dirt has been left on the starter motor throw out mechanism as it may cause it to stick either engaged or disengaged.
b) Full Choke is required for a cold start. Ensure the butterfly valve closes fully.
c) The carburettor will function at normal temperatures, but may not function satisfactorily at extreme low temperatures. Be sure the fuel pump has no leaking valves or diaphragm as this will prevent sufficient fuel flow at the low RPM during start and idle.
d) At temperatures below 0F, do not use oil in the air filter as it will congeal and prevent easy flow of air. Ice and frost build up on the air filter screens can cause a high vacuum which may collapse the carburettor air hose.
e) Remove and clean fuel strainers daily. Drain tank sump daily to remove water and dirt.
f) Clean dirt and frost from the ignition wires and outside of the spark plugs.
g) Free distributor point arm on post and clean points.
h) Operate fuel pump with hand crank to prime carburettor bowl.
i) Free up engine with hand crank or slave battery.
j) Stop if oil pressure does not show after 30 seconds
k) With transmission in neutral, engage clutch to warm up transmission oil before moving vehicle.

6) Chassis
a) Brake bands ( particularly on new vehicles ) have a tendency to bind in extreme cold. Have a blow torch handy to warm and free up these parts. Parking with the hand brake off will eliminate most of the binding. Precaution must be taken to block the wheels.
b) Operating in extreme cold on hard frozen ground can cause nuts to loosen, fracture of bolts and welded joints. Inspect regularly for signs of failure.
c) Disconnect the speedo cable in temperatures below -30F. The drag from the cable lubricant can cause improper operation or breaking of the cable.