Block heater?

[_brad_]

I know this question may sound retarded to some but I live in MN and it gets cold. Often times so cold that vehicles wont start, ect.

Since I'm going to have my YTM-200 in an unheated garage I'm hoping I'm not going to have any problems with hard starts when its -30 degrees outside.

Any tips on making cold starts easier? I thought about a dip stick heater but I don't know if I want to take the chance of burning down the house over this issue...:eek:

I already am having hard starts even on a HOT day!


Any help?

[Bryan Raffa]

I do know bruce's big red has a plug in type block heater..not shure if it was external or intenal.. let ,me look

[Bryan Raffa]

its a external heater...when was the last time the valves were adjusted?

[_brad_]

Hmm interesting idea.. Where does he have the plug inserted?

Valves have been adjusted 6 months ago; they were set to the tight side of the recommended values...

What is weird is that if I rock the machine back and forth it seems to start easier.. Therefore I'm thinking its carb related but I need to rule out electrical parts first.

I like the idea of a block heater...

[RedRider_AK]

You can take one of those CarQuest battery or oil pan heaters and plaster them to the bottom of your engine...

I personally have no problems starting all my machines by hand (including the Big Bear 400) in -30 degree weather, you just stick 'em on full choke and they fire up first or second pull.

[jeffatc250r]

Cool set-up. What about one of those propane radiant heaters? Just prop one up under the motor for 15 minutes before starting? Your bike should start on its own even in the really cold weather, but the oil is like sludge when it gets really cold. I still think warming it up before starting would prolong top end parts dramatically because the oil will be able to move freely and do its job. I use a dipstick oil heater on the mack truck and it works great, no reason why it wouldnt work on your bike also.