Stabil and hard start

[SPF2245]

Just curious, has anyone had any problems starting their cars after running stabil in their fuel tank? I added it to my winter tank of fuel, went to try and start it today...and no dice. I'm not sure if it's the additive, or the absolute cold butt temps right now causing the problem (it's a balmy 14 degrees). Prior to putting the car away about two months ago, the car ran fine. It's always hated the cold...but now I don't even get a puff. Oh, the battery is charged.

Motor: Roush 427R w/ chokeless (not helping) carb

Thanks in advance!!!
-Dan

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by SPF2245

I'm not sure if it's the additive, or the absolute cold butt temps right now causing the problem (it's a balmy 14 degrees).

It's the cold. My FE doesn't even like the 40's -- I wouldn't even think of trying to turn her over in 14 degree weather.

[blykins]

Yep, it's not the Stabil. It's the cold weather.

If you do get it running, the chokeless carb will make for some interesting sounds.

[patrickt]

My carb has no choke. If the weather is really chilly, I squirt starter fluid down the carb... but mostly, I don't even try that -- I just wait for warm weather.

[terry251]

Dan, it's colder than 14 degrees here in Colorado today (again!) but my best efforts to fire up my SPF (418W, Demon carb, no choke) usually involve pumping the living day lights out of the throttle. Since there isn't a choke to provide a rich mixture, you have to do the deed with the foot feed. I pump mine 4-5 times or so, after the fuel pump has run for about a minute. Then, I use my highly calibrated ear and butt to either pump more or less as it tries to fire. Keeping it running (albeit on 3 or 7 cylinders) is another discussion, but I usually find the "feel" of the proper combination and all 8 holes chime in! It isn't easy...and winter gas formulation makes it worse.

If yours is just spinning with out kicking and trying to fire, I'd bet the mixture is just too lean for the cold.

If you are experienced with using the accelerator as a choke, forgive my presumptiveness! I learned the technique on a 348 Chevy with three deuces and no choke!

Terry

[jayscobras]

say anything since I have been under fire over a couple of other posts but here is an opinion.

First any fuel stabilizer should be added and then run through the entire system with the car running for at least fifteen minutes.

Second with the car just sitting, the fuel may have either evaporated from the bowls or drained back to leave the bowls empty as well as the lines.

Any engine has a tougher start in cold weather,,,heck I don't even talk at 14 degrees.

If any of you would like I have a whole bunch of really good fuel staibilzer tablets called dynotab. I have since severed relationship with the company but the product really works. Too late this year but I will send any of you who want a couple of years supply on me. Just pm or email me.

One thing about Stabil to remember...do Not get any of it on your paint...worse than brake fluid.

Jay

[jwd]

For storage of 1 year or less, Sta-Bil is a waste of money.

[Dwight]

You could put a 100 watt light bulb touching the block for a couple of hours before you try to crank it.

It has been 18 to 30 degrees here in sunny North Alabama for a week. Cold, wet and a wind. I'm dying. I did not get out of the house Sunday. Way To Cold for me.
I did go to the shop this afternoon and turn on the gas heater, so I could work on Coach Mike's Coupe.


Dwight

[SPF2245]

Thanks for the replys...I have to admit I didn't want to take it out more then just move some fluids around and charge the battery...I'm stuck in a true storage unit and I don't have access to an outlet for a battery tender. I figure in a few weeks...maybe it will warm above freezing long enough to start it.

[Michael P. Wole]

I use stabil in my bass boat and all my cars and lawnmowers, weed eaters, leaf blowers and any gas container that may set for more than a month. Key to using stabil is running each engine long enough to ensure the fuel mixture has gotten to the carb/fuel system. Just putting it in the tank does no good.

[avanti-176]

Whenever I try to start mine in weather that cold I just point the propane forced air heater under the front end at the bottom end of the motor and after about 10 minutes it will fire right up.

[Wayne Maybury]

The first question has to be "why did you want to start it?". I am a great believer in leaving the car alone once it has been shut off for the storage period. Really, there is nothing that can be gained by starting it in the winter. If you do start it, make sure you run it long enough to get it completely warmed up as there will be lots of condensation in the exhaust system.

Now you tried to start it but it would not start. You have no choke so that means that you must pump the heck out of it before and while cranking to be able to get a rich enough mixture for it to fire. Starting an engine without a choke is always fun. It will stall many times and will require constant "pumping" of the throttle to keep it going. What weight oil do you have in it? 15W40 will not allow the engine to crank over very quickly in the cold.

Do you have an electric gas pump or a mechanical pump. An electric pump will fill the carb in a few seconds but a mechanical pump will require quite a bit of cranking just to get gas in the carb. If you did crank it quite a bit and it did not fire at all, I would pull the dip stick and smell the oil to see if it is contaminated with unburned gasoline.

If you really want to start it, wait for a warmer day or place a heater under the engine for a couple of hours to warm it up. Be careful about what type of heater you use as many people have managed to start a nice little fire with excessive heat.

Wayne