jimbo7921 8 #1 Posted December 15, 2010 went to start my tractor last night, had a hard time starting it. I didn't realize that a onan engine was not a good starter in the cold. Is it possible to plug this tractor in if it had a core heater? is it even possible to get one? thx jim Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Operator 7 #2 Posted December 15, 2010 You'd need water for a "core heater" . You can try a magnet heater on the oil pan. Or a trickle charger on the battery to give it a boost. Randy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimbo7921 8 #3 Posted December 15, 2010 thx randy!! never thought of the water thing. Besides changing oil and the air filter, i am not the smartest engine guy. Is an onan not a good cold engine starter compared to other engines? thx jim Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Operator 7 #4 Posted December 15, 2010 The Onans in our 520s start good as long as the batteries are up. I have trickle chargers wired in, then I just plug in to batteries. I also have one wired into a Kohler. Randy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimbo7921 8 #5 Posted December 15, 2010 It probably had something to do with not running for about a month, just have never had such a hard time starting it ever before. thx jim Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
W9JAB 156 #6 Posted December 15, 2010 I used to put a 100watt light bulb between the cyls. of my Harley for a few hrs. befor starting it worked well. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dcrage 621 #7 Posted December 15, 2010 So would there be a problem using one of the old dipstick oil heaters on a garden tractor???? -- I would be putting it into my 310-8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
W9JAB 156 #8 Posted December 15, 2010 A dip stick heater will work! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 19,554 #9 Posted December 16, 2010 What oil do you have in it? Straight 30w is to heavy for winter if thats whats in it. 10w-30 would be better if its going to be a winter tractor as its thinner and the starter wont be working as hard to spin the motor over. Mike....... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kelly 1,028 #10 Posted December 16, 2010 Thinner oil, like sparky said, a dip stick heater would work, a magnet heater on the oil pan won't stick the pan is aluminum, make sure you have a good batt. and the engine is tuned up, I have 3 520's they all start different, but all start good, I learned one needs more choke another needs the choke turned off almost as soon as it starts, ect.... you will have to learn your tractor. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jimbo7921 8 #11 Posted December 16, 2010 thx sparky, kelly! I just use castrol 10w 30 in it. I have just been using it in the summer since i have no winter attachments yet. It does need a little choke even when its warm, but you have to turn it off as soon as it fires and i have to let it warm up b4 i take off or it will stall. Once running it runs like a peach though. thx jim : Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Buzz 502 #12 Posted December 16, 2010 Check out this old thread: http://www.wheelhorseforum.com/index.php?...dipstick+heater Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Operator 7 #13 Posted December 16, 2010 orry I forgot about them being aluminum. I might try one of those dipstik heaters, how long do you leave it in heating? Randy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brandonsj04 0 #14 Posted January 3, 2011 Late to the party, but I always take the load off the engine by pulling up the disengage lever to the hydro. It's hard enough on the starter to start the engine with cold oil, let alone adding stress by getting the hydro trans cold oil moving at the same time. Second the hardwired trickle charger. I got mine at harbor freight for like 7 bucks and hasn't let me down yet, even with a winter beater battery. (I keep the new one inside). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
