hard starting L head

i got a 42 with the L head. it is still 6 volt and converting to 12 isn't an option. my problem is hard stating when cold. it usually starts great when warm. it is almost as if it's not turning over fast enough to start because one time i was checking spark with a plug out and left the key on and it started right up but would not start with the spark plug in. anyways i was just wondering if anybody could give me some input on this.

 

Re: hard stating L head

Have you just got a tired battery, with a weak cell or something?

 

Re: hard stating L head

My '43 is sort of that way. It's a weak starter in mine so I use the hand crank. You might check your battery though since you don't have a problem when it's warm.

 

Re: hard stating L head

battery is in good shape

 

Re: hard stating L head

What weight oil do you use?

 

Re: hard stating L head

run an 8 volt battery. and clean up the starter.

 

Re: hard stating L head

i run 20w-50 oil because that is what the people who rebuilt the engine said to use. as far as the timing and valve adjustment i never checked it after the rebuild. what is the timing supposed to be?

 

Re: hard stating L head

Do you have a tractor supply company store. You can get an 8 volt battery from them. I think for 35.00

 

Re: hard stating L head

I wouldn't use 20w50 in cold weather. Takes too long when starting cold for it to warm up and flow. Not to mention that when cold it can have the consistency of honey/mollasses. 10w30 or even a straight 30 wt would be better I think.

 

tractor supply coming soon so i'm told

 

any problems with changing oil weights throughout an engines life

 

I agree, 20-50 is way too heavy. 10-30 or 5-30 are good all-around general purpose kind of weight that will work well for you.

 

Are all your battery connections free of corrision?

 

Re: hard stating L head

In my opinion their not giving you the best advice. The highest weight oil the L-head calls for is 30, while in colder weather (+10F) using only 20 weight. With today’s multi-weight oils a good choice would be 10-30 as mentioned earlier.

 

the engine was rebuilt about 10 years ago but has very low miles on it. it is usually only used during deer season and every now and then after that. i change the oil once a year and it is not even hardly black on the dipstick when i check it. my battery connections are clean and when i said it turns over slow i didn't mean any slower than (what i thought) a 6 volt should. it just starts hard when engine is cold and i was wondering how well everybody elses 6 volts start.thanks for all the input btw