Batteries and cold weather (2024)

The old Dear John has a nasty habit of only starting when the temp is over 5 degrees. As soon as the cold weather comes it fails to impress. In recent years the starter and alternator have been replaced as has the battery. I reckon the problem is with the battery not having enough cranking power in the cold. Any other suggestions It has done this the last 3 years and only with a new battery does it go.

As an aside if I do change the battery has anyone experience of these Optima spiral cell batteries. Big money but might be worth a try?

Cheers BB

Beltbreaker said:

The old Dear John has a nasty habit of only starting when the temp is over 5 degrees. As soon as the cold weather comes it fails to impress. In recent years the starter and alternator have been replaced as has the battery. I reckon the problem is with the battery not having enough cranking power in the cold. Any other suggestions It has done this the last 3 years and only with a new battery does it go.

As an aside if I do change the battery has anyone experience of these Optima spiral cell batteries. Big money but might be worth a try?

Cheers BB

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Could try leaving it on a "trickle charger" - not that convenient I know but could be an option.

Are the battery terminals clean - earth attachment to chassis/eng block clean - often have to remove and clean contact areas on tractors.

Is engine getting on a bit - low compression/injectors need service ?

What model JD ?

Model is 6506 connectors fine, earth, I will check. Previous 6300 had major electrical gremlins hope this one isn't doing the same. Its well serviced but 8500ish hrs no other obvious engine problems.

Cheers BB

Beltbreaker said:

Model is 6506 connectors fine, earth, I will check. Previous 6300 had major electrical gremlins hope this one isn't doing the same. Its well serviced but 8500ish hrs no other obvious engine problems.

Cheers BB

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I have a 6600 which recently had the starter done "again" - had done about 2 yr ago, maybe not repaired properly 1st time - has done 11k hrs & still purrs like a kitten with only head having been done b4 my ownership so don't think your 8500 hrs should be a prob.

Battery was ok (nearly new) which I was suspecting was faulty but proved to be starter drawing too much power - suggest a system check.

grumpy said:

what about this?

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You're sooooooooo helpful...........NOT

grumpy said:

what about this?

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Aye ye don't need that for a zetor :whistling:

grumpy said:

what about this?

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erm seen enough lister startin handles thanks ,never got the broken arm though

Looks like the lister cs handle we had on a Winget mixer, ours had no paint:001_smile:

To the OP I had the same problem with an old Ford 8340. Put 2 batteries on it and no problem. I think it actually saves the starter because it works more efficiently with less spins to start. It will depend if there is possible to easily fit a second.

the optima is good stuff, have one here, it has stuck some charging, as its used as a 12v supply for loads of jobs.

other than that, the only good battery that seems to be left is the varta range.
excellent battery imo.
lucas hill is too much of a pain,
id check out the starter again, and go for a good battery,
but if compression is down all this, is bad advice.

Bog Man said:

Have used the optima batteries on a tired perkins engine and they have more turning power than most batteries .To start an engine in cold weather it is a good idea to use a small canister blow torch to heat the air .

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that would be an improvement on an oily rag set on fire in the manifold like what I have seen done in the past ,must remember that

Have used the optima batteries on a tired perkins engine and they have more turning power than most batteries .To start an engine in cold weather it is a good idea to use a small canister blow torch to heat the air .

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Clean forgot about that one. Old man remembers the drivers here lighting fires under our old Deere 2 cylinders. Bloody dangerous IMO as the started on petrol but it was to warm the oils up a bit. They were fine as long as left going all day but if they stopped walk away for an hour and then they'd start. Think I'll strauggle to turn the 65 over on the flywheel though.
Cheers BB