bullitt
Member
Myself and a friend both bought a 422s and are using them in the Pittsburgh area. Both refused to start around freezing or below, which has been a huge PIA.
Here is what we have learned as we pursued this in parrallel-
Changed to Autolite 64 plugs - small improvement.
Initally Robin America told us it was the starter. I got a 1 kw starter under warranty to replace the stock 0.8 kw starter. Pulled the engine and put it on. This did not fix the problem. It did help a little.
Then Robin told us that after engine serial number 1016365, their coil manufacturer gave them weak coils. Replacing the weak coils solved the problem in their tests at a temp of -4 C. I just pulled both hydraulic pumps off and pulled the engine to put the good coils on. These seem to have made a huge difference. The "good" part number is 263-7820101. The good coil is larger and has more laminated core. Robin provided these under warranty. Robin would have paid to have someone else put them on, but I don't like others working on my equipment. If you have an engine lift, it is about a three hour job.
I added syntetic oil to the hydraulics and the engine (ouch). This also seems to help significantly.
The bottom line is cranking speed and spark strength seem to be the key. Calling Robin and getting the good coils is a must.
Here is what we have learned as we pursued this in parrallel-
Changed to Autolite 64 plugs - small improvement.
Initally Robin America told us it was the starter. I got a 1 kw starter under warranty to replace the stock 0.8 kw starter. Pulled the engine and put it on. This did not fix the problem. It did help a little.
Then Robin told us that after engine serial number 1016365, their coil manufacturer gave them weak coils. Replacing the weak coils solved the problem in their tests at a temp of -4 C. I just pulled both hydraulic pumps off and pulled the engine to put the good coils on. These seem to have made a huge difference. The "good" part number is 263-7820101. The good coil is larger and has more laminated core. Robin provided these under warranty. Robin would have paid to have someone else put them on, but I don't like others working on my equipment. If you have an engine lift, it is about a three hour job.
I added syntetic oil to the hydraulics and the engine (ouch). This also seems to help significantly.
The bottom line is cranking speed and spark strength seem to be the key. Calling Robin and getting the good coils is a must.