1935 Cadillac - GM Heritage Center

cold weather and it generally is cranked longer before it starts.
The lights are also used to a much greater extent than during the
long days of summer. All this means that the battery must be
ready for increased demands.
It is a good plan in preparing for the winter season, therefore,
to see that the battery is fully charged and that the battery connections
are clean and tight. At the same time, the spark plugs,
the contact points and the ignition timing should be checked to
assure easy starting and smooth performance.
Gasoline System
A small amount of water in the gasoline system during warm
weather has little or no effect on the running of the engine. In
freezing weather, however, even a small amount of water may
freeze and stop the entire flow of fuel to the carburetors. It is
important, therefore, to clean the filter and the strainers in the
gasoline system before the start of cold weather. (See page 45-)
It is also advisable to check the adjustment of the carburetors
and the operation of the choke control.
Starting the Engine
The regular starting procedure, as outlined on page 20, should
be followed in cold weather but with special emphasis upon the
following points:
Clutch Pedal
The clutch pedal should always be disengaged while cranking
the engine in winter weather in order to relieve the strain on the
battery. With the clutch disengaged, the starter is not called
upon to turn the transmission gears which are immersed in
lubricant. At ordinary temperatures the resistance created by the
gears turning in the lubricant is negligible, but in cold weather,
when the lubricant is stiffened considerably, the strain is sufficient
to retard the cranking speed and increase the demand on the
battery.
Throttle Hand Lever
The correct position of the throttle hand lever for starting in
cold weather is the same as for starting a cold engine under other
conditions, namely, in the fully closed -position. It may be necessary,
however, as soon as the engine starts, to open the hand throttle
slightly in order to permit the engine to idle without stalling
until it becomes warm. Never attempt to start a cold engine
with the throttle partly open, as this will increase the proportion
of air and result in a lean mixture that is difficult to ignite.
Choke Button
Gasoline does not vaporize as readily in cold weather as in
warm weather, and in order to supply the cylinders with a gaseous
mixture rich enough to be ignited, the proportion of liquid
gasoline to air must be increased. This is accomplished by greater
use of the choke.
In cold weather, the choke button should be pulled out all the
way and held out until the engine starts. Although the button
should ordinarily be pushed all the way in as soon as the engine
starts, it may be advisable to warm up the engine with the choke
button about one quarter out during very severe weather. The
button should be kept in this position for not more than one
or two minutes at the most.
Priming the Carburetors
In extremely cold weather the carburetors may be primed by
quickly depressing and releasing the accelerator pedal a few times.
This procedure forces a larger quantity of gasoline into the mixing
chambers and provides a richer mixture. The carburetors should
never be primed in warm weather or in cold weather when the
engine is warm. Excessive priming at any time is likely to make
starting difficult rather than easy.
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