[AT] Big Coleman 6 hp

[Mark Greer]

Get a 125 watt or 250 watt infrared heat lamp bulb (like you use in a 
chicken brooder) and put it in one of those clamp on utility lights with the 
aluminum reflector/shield. Clamp it to something with the light pointing at 
the compressor and locate the light about a foot away. In a few minutes the 
compressor will be plenty warm. Infrared is the only way to go here as it 
heats the object more than it illuminates it. Incandescent bulbs do just the 
opposite and the small amount of heating that results is just a byproduct of 
creating light and is not radiated to heat objects like and infrared is 
intended to do. I have a little Senco 2hp portable that requires a 20 amp 
circuit when the temperature is warm. When it is cold (below freezing) the 
miserable little thing pops a breaker every time so I preheat it this way 
and then it is fine. It makes a lot of heat just running so if I am using it 
repeatedly the pump stays warm enough after the first start to start easily 
the next time.
Mark

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ralph Goff" <alfg at sasktel.net>
To: "Antique tractor email discussion group" <at at lists.antique-tractor.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2009 12:12 PM
Subject: Re: [AT] Big Coleman 6 hp


Charlie,,, too cold to look into the compressor this morning at -35 degrees.
My Coleman has the compressor and motor sitting on top of the 40 gallon tank
so I'd have to hang the heat source beside it and direct the hot air onto
the compressor. My big space heater would be great but its way to heavy to
hang up at that level. :-)
That synthetic oil is good for small engines. The Kohler 16 hp on one of my
grain augers has had 0w30 in it for several years and I think it helps
starting. Certainly would give better lubrication on startup. That 10w30 is
like molasses on a morning like this. Might be a good option for the
compressor too.

Ralph in Sask.