On Sun, 16 Mar 2008 19:08:30 -0400, "Michael A. Terrell"
wrote:


Gunner Asch wrote:

On Sun, 16 Mar 2008 12:04:38 -0600, Don Foreman
wrote:

Batteries do fine in subzero temps if they have any charge. A
discharged battery might freeze and crack, but Steve sez no cracks. I
leave my batteries in my boat outside over winter in MN. Winterize
boat with fully charged batteries before Hallowe'en, usually have at
least half-charge left in April. They usually last at least five
years. I replace 'em after five so I don't know how much longer some
of them might have gone.

Pretty much what I was thinking, given that a host of people live in
places where it freezes in the wintertime, with boats etc etc


We used a battery blanket, lower radiator heater and dipstick heater
to be able to start engines at Ft. Greely. Most radiators had 85% to
95% blocked with scrap cardboard, so he engine could finally warm up.
Manual transmissions and rear ends were drained, and refilled with 10W
motor oil. Tires were the worst, because nylon cord tires were still in
use, and they would freeze with a flat spot that took several miles of
driving to thaw out. The area was known as the land of the square tire.

The -40F (Or colder) temperatures could last for months at a time.
Forget to plug in the heaters and you might need a new battery, radiator
and engine. Very few other places ot that cold, except Antarctica. Not
something you need to worry about in the desert.


I grew up on Lake Superior, in the Upper Penninsula of northern
Michigan.

I worked for a number of winters on the North Slope.

Im rather familiar with the subject of cold......

Which is why I now live in California
G

Gunner



"Pax Americana is a philosophy. Hardly an empire.
Making sure other people play nice and dont kill each other (and us)
off in job lots is hardly empire building, particularly when you give
them self determination under "play nice" rules.

Think of it as having your older brother knock the **** out of you
for torturing the cat." Gunner