[Cape Cod MINI]

Jared, most excellent link. Thanks.

Gavin, It's a matter of them running cooler. Not unusual to go for a "colder" plug if you have mods.

Heard about Rodney. I loved that guy. What a great comedian. He'll be missed.

[GadgetGav]

Colder plugs as in something that doesn't conduct the heat into itself..? I suppose that would help the life of the plug...

[Cape Cod MINI]

Quote: Originally Posted by GadgetGav

Colder plugs as in something that doesn't conduct the heat into itself..? I suppose that would help the life of the plug...

"Heat Range

Controlling the operating temperature of the plug’s firing tip is the single most important factor in spark plug design. “Heat range” is the relative temperature of the spark plug’s core nose, and it is determined by the length and diameter of the insulator tip, as well as the ability of the plug to transfer heat into the cooling system. A “cold” plug transfers heat rapidly from its firing end into the cooling system and is used to avoid core nose heat saturation where combustion-chamber or cylinder-head temperatures are relatively high. A “hot” plug has a slower heat transfer rate and is used to avoid fouling under relatively low chamber or head temperatures. What’s confusing is that a “hotter” (higher performance level) engine requires a colder plug because more power equals higher cylinder temperatures."

[GadgetGav]

Is that from a spark plug maker's site..?
I still think that any little spark is going to work in terms of getting the fuel burnt, but there are probably other factors in the life of the plug itself. The fouling referred to there is fouling of the tip of he plug with burnt fuel isn't it.

[jwardell]

I had two surprises when starting the car on this, my MINIs coldest morning yet. Temp read 38 degrees.

The engine started instantly. No hesitation, no stalling. Looks like my MINI likes the cold. Do you think they assembled it in an icebox. Over the summer it has pretty much been a 1-in-3 chance of it not starting on the first try.

Then this horrible high-pitched tone coming out of my HK speakers! Not quite as high as a TV so I'm not sure if you geezers would hear it or not. It did not go away. Not for the whole commute. Stayed the same pitch and volume (although increases with the volume as expected). Then the music came on. Oh God. Both rear speakers were blasting static at any high amplitudes from the source signal (like every beat, even in a softer rock tune; loud speech instantly turned to dust), regardless of volume setting. It occurs on all inputs. I thought it might disappear once the electronics or the cabin heated up (BIG props to the MINI's very quick air heating), but no, this remained throughout my commute. We'll see if this continues when I leave work and it is 30 degrees warmer. My guess is a harness contracted and is no longer making good contact, something is not grounded correctly causing the high tone, and bad connection to rears. I tried to look by the HK amp after parking the car but the harnesses are at the front and blocked by the plastic walls, I'll need to attack this later.

I was hoping perhaps a new soundfield was added called Short Wave Radio Simulation. The HK did a beautiful job producing the earsplitting pitch and static!

[kgouin]

I have a question about the temperature readout on the OBC. I was driving home last night and I checked the temperature, which was 41, and when I checked it as I was closer to home, it was 36. I noticed that when the temperature is 37 and under the temperature readout flashed on and off about six times. Is this normal?

[bakerjc]

Quote: Originally Posted by jwardell

horrible high-pitched tone --- were blasting static at any high amplitudes from the source -- loud speech instantly turned to dust -- earsplitting pitch and static!

Could be your choice of music?

[GBMINI]

Josh,
You should have tried the standard Microsoft fix ... switch off and on again

My HK once did something a bit similar, went away at the next switch on. Brain fade in the amp maybe?

[pezboy]

Re: cold (warm) start.

I heard a rumor that it could be from the fuel we put in here in MA. I guess those handful of states that have more strict emissions (more additives) are the only ones that have the problem in the summer. My car has never hesitated when starting in the cold...and boy do I love those heated seats again!

[pezboy]

Kelly, yes.

It will "ding" and flash when it reaches 37 to warn that there could be black ice on the roads.

[jwardell]

Quote: Originally Posted by pezboy

I heard a rumor that it could be from the fuel we put in here in MA. I guess those handful of states that have more strict emissions (more additives) are the only ones that have the problem in the summer. My car has never hesitated when starting in the cold...and boy do I love those heated seats again!

It's not the gas. I had to start twice two days ago. Same tank. Heck I think I had to do it pulling out of the station! I haven't mentioned anything to MOP as there hasn't been a solid fix for it yet. Maybe when the JCW upgrade goes in.

[jwardell]

I just went back outside to check on it now that the car has been sitting for an hour. Problem gone.

Suspicious. If anything things got cooler, not warmer. And it's downright scary to think it could have been a software bug in the amp that would cause analog static. After a search here, others have reported static with the HK, but in the front tweeters, and even if it is off, not at all what I experienced. I'lll keep an eye on it (or ear, rather).

[MaxaMini]

Quote: Originally Posted by pezboy

Kelly, yes.

It will "ding" and flash when it reaches 37 to warn that there could be black ice on the roads.

Curious that it's set at 37 and not 38 or 36. Some would suggest it's a salute to Monte Carlo and Paddy's #37. Cute.

[Actual Size]

Quote: Originally Posted by jwardell

Over the summer it has pretty much been a 1-in-3 chance of it not starting on the first try.

Same here until I started using a tip from Randy Webb. Turn the key to position 2, wait until the EML light goes off, return the key to off position, then start normally.

[GadgetGav]

Quote: Originally Posted by Actual Size

Same here until I started using a tip from Randy Webb. Turn the key to position 2, wait until the EML light goes off, return the key to off position, then start normally.

Like letting the glow plugs warm up in a diesel..!?

Maybe the ECU runs Windoze and you have to wait....and wait... and wait while it boots up.

[rfinprc]

Quote: Originally Posted by jcsinnh

REST IN PEACE

RODNEY DANGERFIELD

One of the classics and the first comedian to have his own website

It's sad, John. Now you and Steve are the only two who don't get any respect.

[Cape Cod MINI]

Quote: Originally Posted by rfinprc

It's sad, John. Now you and Steve are the only two who don't get any respect.

We can quite readily get you in that league if you continue to harass us.

[Cape Cod MINI]

A very good read here: http://www.truthout.org/docs_04/100704Z.shtml

[LordWinslow]

Quote: Originally Posted by jwardell

I had two surprises when starting the car on this, my MINIs coldest morning yet. Temp read 38 degrees.

The engine started instantly. No hesitation, no stalling. Looks like my MINI likes the cold. Do you think they assembled it in an icebox. Over the summer it has pretty much been a 1-in-3 chance of it not starting on the first try.

I have the same problem, most mornings and nights when I leave work it takes 2 tries to start the car. Almost always, when it is warm out I am usually fine but not always. It has been like this for a while. I got to have it looked at next time I am at Peabody (and possibly put some cash down for the new JCW upgrade and other goodies).

Winslow

[GBMINI]

Are you happier with your seating now Chris?