winter starting

[crusher773]

Heading into my first winter with the Festy. Just curious how these do if they are sitting outside when its real cold. Do I need to look into any kind of a heater on it?

[2xclutchin]

Not a direct answer but I'm sure someone with a non carby will answer, but my 89 L carby has never been plugged in and has always started, sometimes with more pumping than others lol. Northern MN gets mighty cold too btw. Although I can't tell ya what yours will act like.

[kellen302]

My mom's from Wisconsin and had a champ when she lived there for a while, she said that without the block heater she either parked it basically under a snow drift to insulate the engine, or always park facing south, lol, keep it out of the wind and you're probably good

[hotfordcat]

Here in South Dakota my cars all set outside. Only problems I've seen are: Windows do not like to roll up if you put them down, doors freeze shut, and they like to hydroplane in slush. They have never failed to start!!! Never PLUGGED IN!!!

[crusher773]

OK I can park it right up against the garage pointing south. I wondered how they actually handled in the snow didn't figure it was good. I can get my truck out when its slushy though.

[Damkid]

Stock festiva's are amazing in the snow, I went field bombing in a festiva in the middle of winter once and never got stuck

[IdealSociety]

ive never had my stock festiva not start even in -35* (not counting wind chills) temperatures.

granted, unless you have synthetic in the transmission case it does get pretty stiff for shifting till its been down the road a few good miles! Dont think offhand ive ever gotten stuck in it either, those skinny tires just cut through snow, only thing better would be 12" snows or just as skinny 13" snows but ive never needed them so ive never tried.

[gdawgs]

You have nothing to worry about in Kansas.

[GenevaDirt]

You have nothing to worry about in Kansas.

except for tornado's and wicked witch's

[Bert]

I have not in 7 years had to use the OEM block heater. However a charged and good battery and thin (5w-) engine oil in winter really help. My 86 F150 has the identical battery (terminal locations and width and length) to a Festy except for some added height (but still within the Festy fastener range) and I've been buying that type of battery ever since.

[Bdubya]

I have had three festivas in the last 13 years. I live about 1000 feet from lake Ontario with gusting winds, ice, rain and temperatures that would circumsize you if you pee outside and they have never let me down. just keep in mind that you need to keep up with the simple things like cap, wires, plugs, correct oil (5w30) and air filter. I have as well put a piece of plastic card board from a real estate sign in front of the rad so the engine will warm to a proper operating temp in those colder weeks so that I can have warm air inside the car.

[Damkid]

Hey Bdubya, your not all that far me, cool to see another member from southern Ontario

[gdawgs]

except for tornado's and wicked witch's

Forgot about that. Ok, so as far as temperatures go, he has nothing to worry about.

[Bert]

When it comes to advice about winter tires, real snow tires make a night and day difference on ice or snow (and mud even). Looking back in time the difference is like switching from bias-ply to radial tires!