in this recent cold spell we are having...I went to start the ATV...no power...battery fully charged...had to pull start it..started right up....after about 15 minutes of warming up..I have power to every thing like normal...now it has no fuses..but the breakers in the pouch.. do those breakers supply power to the lights..starter ect...can there be condensation in the breaker freezing them...i mean its been -8 in the morning...now this has happened 2 times so far when I had to go plow..but as I said 15 minutes and all is well again....my fan runs..lights on...

what do you think can be freezing in there then thaw out to regain elect power....also what size breakers are they...can they be bought at NAPA

Thanks
AL

 

First off start at the source which is the battery. Even if it shows a full charge(12.6-12.8 on average) it may discharge quickly onece you turn the key on and try to power up anything.If in doubt just have it load tested. Yes the pouches can and do trap moisture and can be a problem if terminals are corroded. These breakers are meant to trip also if there is any sort of problem and kick back on.They can kick off even if the problem is within themselves,doesn't have to be an external problem. Found them in all sort of conditions. You can get this 20 amp breaker if needed at any auto stores for a few bucks. Plus here's a good video on circuit breakers along with some pics on different conditions you can find them in.

 

OK....I load tested the battery with a 100 amp tester..did the 10 sec load test....battery tested good...now I tried to start..no go..I jump starter solenoid and started up....warmed it for a few minutes..then the speedo light came on...then had head lights...when temp reached fan came on....rate of charge is around 14.4 volts at around 3000 -3500 rpms...so next is the breaker check..waiting till a warmer day..wires are not to be played with in sub zero weather...crack the insulation ..if i did not have so many toys in the garage i would move there...but it has 4 feet of snow in front also...

 

now thay we have above freezing weather no problem starting...it even sat 2 days with out the maintainer on as i think the dog knocked the clamp off battery when he went under the cover ...lol...we have some -15 weather coming so I guess my problem will arise again..I think I may add a small ceramic heater to keep it warm..as with the cold snow is coming so need to plow

 

Cold natured gremlins..

 

OPT ..I think when we have good weather i am going to cut the pouches open and replace the breakers...thing is once cut they may become uselss...I may try to get some heavy wall Shrink tube inch or inch and half may do it..if the ends dont seal some RTV on ends should be fine....I think the original owner may have greased the recoil also...when cold its hard to retract till warm...that will have to de greased in spring and a dry lube used ...

 

If you install new circuit breakers just coat the terminal with dielectric grease or as some have done,rtv.Rtv in the pouch,then tape the pouch up. The original pouches themselves have never done a good job with keeping out moisture. All you can do is to try to seal it better. Seal the rope handle and around the recoil with good rtv also.