Friday I bought an '87 245 (for $600) with 227,000 miles on the clock. It started right up when I went to look at it. There was a little stumble on acceleration, but otherwise ran fine. Went back and got it, started fine. Yesterday morning - no start. It would only fire once when I released the key.

Searching through the FAQs I find advice on cleaning the power wire and the fuse holder for the FI. After charging the battery all the cells were below 1.125 specific gravity, but it started. Went to town and bought a new battery. This morning (0 degrees F) it fires right up. So far so good.

What other things should be checked, cleaned, or replaced to make it a reliable winter starter (i.e. -25F)?

Thanks

Greg

ps The car is in nice shape for it's age. There is just a little rust starting around the rear wheel wells and on the rocker panels. It had been recently wrecked and had the headlights, grill, right front fender, windshield, and right lower control arm replaced. It still has a ways to go to be right, but we have an '84 245 as a parts car with the same color interior(!).