Bota at -8 degrees

Junkman · Nov 30, 2003

That looks like my Cover-It before I filled it up!!!!!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

BIGUN · Dec 1, 2003

The Corvair, unlike the Volkswagen, blew air directly over the exhaust manifold then into the passenger compartment. I still remember getting the notice from GM to check for exhaust manifold leaks before using the heater each winter to prevent getting croaked with carbon monoxide.
Mine leaked oil from the valve cover onto the exhaust manifold making use of the heater a pretty smoky proposition.
/forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Junkman · Dec 1, 2003

I didn't reply to the original comment because I wasn't sure that I knew what the poster was referring to. The Corvair came standard in 1960 with a gasoline heater that worked much like a home oil burner heater. This became an option for the car in 1961 to 1964. In 1961 GM introduced the hot air heater that took the cooling air that was blowing over the engine and diverted it to the passenger compartment for heat. This heater did have problems when the "O" rings that the push rod tubes were sealed with went bad. The notice that was sent out by GM much later in the Corvair history was to make people aware of the carbon monoxide poisoning problem should they have a leaking exhaust manifold. This was rarely a problem on any Corvair, however with the poor quality of sealing materials that were available back then, the oil leaks were. With modern day sealants, Vi-ton "O" rings, etc. the cars don't leak oil and are very enjoyable to drive. Contrary to popular opinion, the cars are also safe and in 1971, the Federal Government declared this in the only study that they had ever done into a single automobiles safety record. This report proved Ralph Nader's theory of automobile safety to be incorrect in relationship to the Corvair. Just think, if you voted differently, he could have been president!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

BIGUN · Dec 1, 2003

Yeah, now I recall, the o-rings on the ends of the pushrod tubes did get hard as glass, crack and leak as much or more than the valve covers. I recall my Dad working on these & replacing them for me.

I also recall my Corvair engine vibrated terribly when I first got it. We thought that is just the way they were. Then starter housings started breaking, two in a row. Upon investigation we found that the flywheel, which was riveted together, was about to come apart. After my Dad replaced it with a junkyard part the engine was smooth as glass.

Then there was the time the oil pressure-sending unit broke almost completely emptying the crankcase of oil before I knew anything was wrong. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Finally a ring broke on one piston causing that plug to totally foul every 100 miles or so. All this and more happened on a car with less than 80k miles on it. After this, it was time to trade. If it weren’t for my Dad doing the mechanic work and had I been paying the dealer to keep this thing repaired I would have needed a second part time job just for that. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif A "first car" experience like this makes you appreciate all those that follow.

Late Bloomer, sorry about turning your “Bota at -8 degrees” into a Corvair discussion. Seems we get off topic once-in-a-while. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

AV8R62 · Dec 1, 2003

My dad would start his 69 chevy truck in very cold weather
by dumping a bucket of hot water on the battery and another
on the carburator worked every time /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

AV8R62 · Dec 1, 2003

the "unpopular corvair" was basicly a copy of a "popular VW Beetle" with some improvements .
Corvairs had hydraulic valve lifters ,automatic transmitions, 6 cylinders & great styling and Beetles did not
corvairs even had a heater that worked.
go figure.

Junkman · Dec 1, 2003

BIGUN:
At 80 K all 1960's cars were well worn out. What you mention are all standard problems of the Corvair with that mileage..

AV8R62:

Glad to see that I am not the only one that appreciates the Corvair around here.....

Now back to our regular programming...... /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Egon · Dec 1, 2003

I can remember a 60's car with 175K on it that wasn't completly wore out. Engine and transmission were still good.

Egon

cisco · Dec 1, 2003

LateBloomer, you're nuts. Yes, salmon fishing in Alaska is fantastic during the Fall runs (I use fly fishing gear, so can "go home hungry" on occasion), and fresh Halibut is without equal, as is fresh Alaskan crab. That said, I'd stick with chicken rather than over-winter in Fairbanks again.
Say, you should have tried fly fishing for red drum (spotted sea bass) in the marshes along the coast of South Carolina. Lots more fight, and heft, than crappie or catfish.
Now, to place yourself in the "possibly sane" category, from the just plain "nuts" category you're currrently in, get a cab for that tractor, or acquire a snowmobiling type of super thick and insulated jump suit (plus heating pad inserts and a decent internal brandy titer).

5030 · Dec 1, 2003

Egon:

One more off thread comment from me too.

I lkked the comment about 1960's cars being worn out in 60K.

If you live in the country like we do and if your country follks drive like the folks around here do, any car is shot in 60K or less. Our road resembles a washboard more time than not but it certainly dosen't deter folks around here from going 55+ all the time. I listen to them coming down the road, the suspension banging and clanging. Our road is littered with parts of exhaust systems, hubcaps, suspension parts and empty beer bottles. I guess the beer deadens the bumps somewhat.

I would never buy a used car or for that matter, any vehicle from a country bumpkin.

Old_Hickory · Dec 2, 2003

It definately warms it up quick. I just decided to try it one day after I was tired of pulling the rope and the starting fluid did not help,an 8 HP is pretty hard pulling in cold weather.I thought what to do ??? I carried a couple of 5 gallon buckets of HOT tap water outside and poured it (did not dump it on )on the engine and pulled on the rope and it would not have pulled any easier if I was trying to start it on JULY 4.
Like I said it is an un orthodox way of doing something and not everyone would agree to doing this,but it worked for me. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Junkman · Dec 2, 2003

the problem that I see with this method is that if it didn't start, the recoil mechanism could freeze solid from the water. If it works for you, that is all that counts.... you take your chances and sometimes you win and other times you loose....

Old_Hickory · Dec 2, 2003

( I am really trying to like people, I am just having trouble wading through the stupid ones" Ted Danson )

Whoopi and Ted,thats a pair of winners. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

LateBloomer · Dec 2, 2003

Man what an surprise when I checked back in today and still found this thread going on its sixth page. I got called Friday to come home quickly to Louisiana for a pending death in the family. I opened up TBN (sick I know) while here to check in and much to my surprise found out that Corvairs has melded into Kubota talk. Got to love this place. Cisco you are not the only one to tell me I'm nuts, lots of family here and in South Carolina tell me the same. On the subject of fishing (since Corvairs are fair game) I find my success in AK much better than in S.C. or Louisiana. Will try to answer some other questions as I review some other comments. BTW I had a VW Fastback during the Corvair days. Loved that car, wish I had never gotten rid of it. Of course the worst car I ever drove was a Pinto. That put me off on Fords until I bought a F250 in 98 which has been super.

LateBloomer · Dec 2, 2003

5030, would love to have one of those when I grow up. Didn't know you could get a heated Bota. Obviously we are not talking compact tractor here. My wife would never get me in the house if I could combine my two great loves, tractoring and playing in the snow.

Egon · Dec 2, 2003

Have you considered takeing skiers up the hill to good powder spots with a snow cat. Should meet you objectives.

Egon

Old_Hickory · Dec 2, 2003

It has never froze,next day I went back out and had to do the same thing again,but maybe I was lucky. The recoil was on the side,the way the motor was mounted,I was just pouring water over the block and crank.

5030 · Dec 2, 2003

Old Hickory:

If I had Ted's or Whpooi's money, I certainly wouldn't care if I was a winner or a looser. I'd be a winner for sure.

When I posted that line, to avoid plagiarism, I attached Ted Danson's name. It's his line, not mine.

My line would be a little more coarse!!

5030 · Dec 2, 2003

LateBloomer:

The 5030 is a CUT. Just a large CUT. Actually, the 5030HSTC is the crossover tractor between the L and M series.

frank_f15 · Dec 2, 2003

( Man what an surprise when I checked back in today and still found this thread going on its sixth page. )

SIXTH PAGE? mine onlys say 3 pages. what gives??