starter wont crank when cold

[dwint51]

since its been cold my starter wont even crank.i have to kick it and then ride for three miles and ahalf hour later it will start with the starter.doesnt make sense to me.its not turning over at all.

[nightriderrv]

Is it sitting out in the cold all night winter time is rough on the little engines battery suffer too. I have to use the kick and starter when it's really cold like in the 10 range to start it. Check all the battery connections make sure there clean and tight.

[SleeperZz]

Same thing with me. Its the weather I ride my scoot back and forth to work everyday. I work 3rd shift and dread fighting that thing every night in 10-30° temps.

[tcthomp66]

I've dealt with battery systems on other equipment in the past, and extreme cold can take its toll. One suggestion you might consider is splicing quick disconnects on the battery lines, then taking your battery into your workplace. Granted, you would still have to open and close the battery box, but this would make it easy and preserve the charge on the battery.

[dwint51]

I did think of that but haven't done it yet.i did put a charge on it over night but it still didn't work.the thing I don't like is the batteries on these scooters are so small you cant find one with good cca .

[skyrider]

I have a small DI water tank on my truck thats too heavy to remove every night so I put a tarp over it and a 100watt light bulb/extension cord in a small shop light in the tarp and it keeps the tank warm. That would also work for a scoot. Just hang it off the handlebar and throw the tarp over and get some bricks etc. to hold the bottom of the tarp to the ground.

[rks]

What oil are you using? I wouldn't think of scooting this time of year....but if I did, I'd be running an oil with a 5w/--, maybe even a 0w/-- weight. Our batteries do suck, they are barely adequate in summer weather. I'd bet yours is about toast. You need a charger/maintainer attached to a good battery, every night, and for that matter, all the time when scooter is not in use.

Read this thread: http://scootdawg.net/showthread.php?t=54810

[dwint51]

I have a 2t so no oil.my battery is probably a year old and I might just get a motorcycle battery and mount it in the trunk

[rks]

Maybe you can edit your profile, add what scooter you are riding, and maybe what state or area of world you are in.......It might help people like me, from making stupid, useless, waste of space suggestions.

Be nice if everyone did this.....just saying

[bull]

fwiw.. most chinese scooters have the battery mounted in the floor pan, and even if you have a cover over your scooter the battery gets really colder than ambient air because of air flow, which of course severely reduces its power. This is the reason car batteries are rated in CCA (Cold Cranking Amps).

If you want to maintain enough cranking power cold, then opt for a "gel battery" vs a lead/acid. the gel holds a charge better cold. also consider adding some insulation completely around the battery. the insulation i would suggest is DuPont Tyvek, it is thin, easy to cut, and has an R34 insulation rating.

You can buy it at most home stores like Lowes or Home Depot, also as it gets damaged, it can be replaced easily.

Even doing this you still need to aid starting for limited cranking ability, with starting fluid or something like that especially in temps below freezing.

[dwint51]

thanks

[bull]

you are very welcome

if you need help locating a good gel battery try a company called Chrome Battery. Found them thru Racketen, battery was $22 delivered with 18 month free replacement. has cranked my primary PS scooter @ 20F ambient after sitting o'nite

[skyrider]

Check out this new post:

http://www.scootdawg.net/showthread.php?t=54818

[dwint51]

well wish me luck I just ordered a 120 cca batt from chromebattery.8amp 96 watts.never heard of watts in a battery.spring is almost here so maybe ill start using my trickle charger.i hope 120 cca is good for n.c weather 25 -35