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-12F degrees with 09 Fit

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  #21  
Old 01-09-2014, 10:47 AM
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Originally Posted by n9cv
Actually the battery heater's purpose is to raise the temperature of the battery to allow it to be more efficient and provide additional cranking power in cold weather. It has nothing to do with oil thickness other than thicker oils do require more cranking power for the starter. The oil is so thin (0 or 5) in a Honda Fit that cold oil viscosity is not much of a problem.

On battery efficiencies, you are looking at 20% at -20 degrees F and only 40% at 0 degrees F.
A battery heater is something I'd like to install eventually for the very reason you just outlined.
 
  #22  
Old 01-09-2014, 10:50 AM
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when you guys crank the car in the cold (by cold meaning lower than 0F) make sure you dont let go of the key while the car ranks for 5-6 seconds or perhaps even longer. most folks tend to turn off the car and re-try. bad move.


think that you only get one try to start the car in cold temps. turn off all accessories so that the battery sends max juice to the starter.


also a good idea to drive the car on the high way a day or so prior to the very cold temps to charge your battery. especially if you know cold temps are coming into your area.
 
  #23  
Old 01-09-2014, 11:02 AM
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Originally Posted by n9cv
Actually the battery heater's purpose is to raise the temperature of the battery to allow it to be more efficient and provide additional cranking power in cold weather. It has nothing to do with oil thickness other than thicker oils do require more cranking power for the starter. The oil is so thin (0 or 5) in a Honda Fit that cold oil viscosity is not much of a problem.

On battery efficiencies, you are looking at 20% at -20 degrees F and only 40% at 0 degrees F.
You need to pour some oil at -10F and see just how much harder it would be to turn a crankshaft or cam with tight tolerances.. Tjhere's a reason in the arctic engines in winter are not shutdown overnight.
I'm not sure just why warming the battery woud help. The sulfuric scid should transport electrons just as easily at -20f as at 60F. That block heater that warms the oil is definitelya very good proven assistance to starting in cold weather. Even electric blankets will work too.
 
  #24  
Old 01-09-2014, 11:55 AM
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Originally Posted by n9cv
Actually the battery heater's purpose is to raise the temperature of the battery to allow it to be more efficient and provide additional cranking power in cold weather. It has nothing to do with oil thickness other than thicker oils do require more cranking power for the starter. The oil is so thin (0 or 5) in a Honda Fit that cold oil viscosity is not much of a problem.

On battery efficiencies, you are looking at 20% at -20 degrees F and only 40% at 0 degrees F.
I wasn't correlating a battery heater with oil temperature, though I can see how it would be read that way.

But, cold viscosity is still very much an issue, you are mistaken if you don't think temperatures of nearly -30C aren't "much of a problem"

0W @ -30C has a "cranking" viscosity of nearly 6,000mPa*s.

Add to that a high comp, tight tolerance motor with a several year old battery originally rated ~325CCA and an "adequate" electrical system.

If there are any bad/corroded leads at the battery or chassis grounds, you're gonna have a bad time.

Hence why I linked both battery and sump heater pads.
 
  #25  
Old 01-09-2014, 11:56 AM
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Originally Posted by kenchan
when you guys crank the car in the cold (by cold meaning lower than 0F) make sure you dont let go of the key while the car ranks for 5-6 seconds or perhaps even longer. most folks tend to turn off the car and re-try. bad move.


think that you only get one try to start the car in cold temps. turn off all accessories so that the battery sends max juice to the starter.


also a good idea to drive the car on the high way a day or so prior to the very cold temps to charge your battery. especially if you know cold temps are coming into your area.
This is all good information, too.
 
  #26  
Old 01-09-2014, 12:02 PM
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Originally Posted by DiamondStarMonsters
This is all good information, too.

yah, im a simple guy.
 
  #27  
Old 01-09-2014, 02:02 PM
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Sorry it was a misread on my part.

Having worked in AK during 2 different winters I'm well away of the temperature's affect on oil viscosity. Block heaters and battery warmers were a way of life for vehicles parked outside. We did not heat the oil but 5W30 was normally used in the winter. Most diesel engines were never shut down except inside for maintenance. 15 minutes was the max shut down time on our aircraft. We tried to limit them to 10 minutes. There also was some 0w stuff around.
 
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