That seems kind of silly, if it doesnt work when its cold its time for a new one, they are only like $100 for a cheap one at sears.

I could see it now. "Family looses home to fire, cause seems to have been a heater on a garage door opener."

a few hundred dollars is a lot cheaper then loosing everything or a $500 garage door. dont cheap out, shortcuts are exactly that and usually dont end up well. just my 2 cents.

Gents,

Thanks for all the comments. After reading through the replies all of which contained relevant insight into the situation, I decided to do some troubleshooting, instead of thinking the problem was solely a cold weather motor issue (which it still may be).

Quick background, door, rails and spring are less than 6 years old. Opener is around the same age but not sure it does have the mandated safety beams, 1/2 hp Sears.

Did a visual check on the rails and the beam that the mount moves on that is horizontal to the door. All seemed very dry and almost tacky, as if whatever grease may be there turned tacky. I did not want to re-grease as I am fearful of dirt being collected by the grease and causing a separate problem. Next I opened the door and measured how high it lifted.Next I closed the door. I next sprayed JIG-A-LOO (invisible all around lubricant that contains no oil, grease or wax) on the main drive rail. Opened the door and it went up another 2 inches. I then sprayed the moving drive assembly and closed the door.Next I sprayed the rails. Opened the door and it now fully opens.

The problem may have been that the grease turned sour and when it got very cold the soured grease became to sticky for the motor to overcome. I still may have a bad/ tired motor. Will be watching. Wish I was not so lazy as to look for the obvious before trying to "buy" a solution to the symptom and mis the real problem. Time will tell.

Simple solutions are often missed. I'm guilty of it myself! Sounds like you got it all fixed and cheap as well!

X2. I can't tell you how many times I have faced a problem, went about a cure half thinking, only do have a day or two go by and think, "WTF was I thinking" LOL! I dealt with such a door at an Aunt'* where someone had generously lubed the tracks many times and Ya, the stuff attracted dust and dirt and dried up. I use carb cleaner and rags to clean, then a "dry" silicone spray.