How to drive through Death Valley...

[nxski]

I just drove through Death Valley today and temperatures were up to about 35 (we left very early in the morning because the low was supposed to be 31 and the high 44). Even so, the hills had to be driven very slow, the heater had to be on and I was monitoring everything carefully. here are some pictures to illustrate how to drive through the valley...

My friend is crazy and had on a sweater and blanket through the whole ordeal!

[nvanadm]

I would have on a sweater and blanket too if it was -26 inside

[nxski]

I would have on a sweater and blanket too if it was -26 inside

touche! I have a new sensor but have failed to install it. For whatever reason it switches between -26, -29 and -E (-26 and -29 generally occur when the outside temperature is above 25)

[legionnair]

This is where a water misting system which sprayed onto the Rad would be great

[doodah]

In the 80s driving thru Death Valley in August with my kids and my 76 Westy we used a spray misting system on ourselves.....namely a spray bottle....

[mararmeisto]

This is where a water misting system which sprayed onto the Rad would be great

Get a canvas bag or leather bag and hang that in front of the radiator - water seeps out slowly, no electric or mechanical pump to break, and it's much cheaper system too. It's a trick my dad told me he used with his ol' MG.

[dfnder]

This is where a water misting system which sprayed onto the Rad would be great

Get a canvas bag or leather bag and hang that in front of the radiator - water seeps out slowly, no electric or mechanical pump to break, and it's much cheaper system too. It's a trick my dad told me he used with his ol' MG.

I was going to suggest the same thing.... haha

[TardisDeli]

Hi Nick, well, I was just wondering what part of the USA you were in, and poofff, I see your post. The TardisDeli just returned from a wonderful trip to Flagstaff Arizona, via hot hot Nevada (just over the hill from Death Valley), Utah, Arizona (105 F daytime, just at freezing at night -- beware your veg oil). The L300 had no problems, such a super good baby.

We took it very easy on the hills (about 70 km, revs 1750 to 2240 in automatic) as often we climbed over 5000 ft, some times to 7500 feet on the highways, never exceeded 100 km (2500 rpm) on highways, and checked fluids every day.

Yes, we drove with our ears (to hear any wierd delica noises), and our eyes on the pyro (max 1200 meant STOP that heavy foot and slow down or idle in neutral, while 1000 meant think about your foot pressure, and 770 to 835 was its happy zone). We had a bit of veggie added to the diesel tank. No AC so windows open, remembr to check the bolts on the side opening windows to ensure they havent rattled loose (had that happen years ago).

Watch your tires, we had 10 psi difference from morning campsite shade, to afternoon road heat. So on worst heat days, checked and altered air 3x day. By the way, Discount Tires is a national chain that repairs flat and rebalances for FREE, super nice professional friendly with no upsell.

Butch CVI had changed all the fluids, and topped up all the lube points, prior to the trip -- definitely worth it (flushing the brake fluid especially).

Good Luck on your travels Nick. Hugs, Christine.

[nxski]

Thanks for the advice Tardisdeli! I'm in Apache Junction Arizona right now and it's 42 Celsius during the days but stays fairly warm at night too. I'm getting a funny ticking noise for the first few minutes after I start the vehicle which speeds up and slows down with the revs. The trip is going great and if you're curious about where I'm at the spotwalla link from the other post is the best way to follow my travels. Glad to hear your deli made the trip with no problems.