No cold weather package?

[Miloki]

Okay, I've browsed through a bunch of threads, but can't find this information...

The Deli I'm getting does not have the cold weather package. How much of a problem is this going to be? I mean, out here, if it hits -10C for more than a couple of days, people start grumbling about the 'deep freeze' (makes me want to ship them to Alberta to see what a real winter is). I gather I shouldn't have too many problems, but do I need to worry if I take a trip inland during the winter, where it will be colder? Should I look at putting a heavier-duty battery in? Which also leads to another question - why two batteries? I've never heard of any other vehicle with two batteries (other than RVs that run a lot of accessories on a regular basis). Is there a reason not to just use one heavy duty?

If I do need to do something for colder weather, what's the best option for a Deli without the cold weather package? Heavier battery? Heavier alternator? Block heater or whatnot?

And finally... I found one - and only one - reference to the cold weather package including a stronger starter - is this so?

So many questions...
(countdown at 11 days before I get my hands on my Deli!)

[Manitoba Delica]

I've been running my Delica in -20 -30 Manitoba winter. I got my in November with a stone cold dead battery from Japan. I was a little disapointed to say the least. My first order of business before I could even fire it up was to run to Can Tire to buy a new battery. Mine is not the winter package (chamonix) van, but I got a block heater put in before it shipped to Manitoba.... I got an 875 cold cranking amp battery, which has worked out great. The need for two batteries is all about the cold cranking amps....with the oil cold and stiff , it takes a lot of juice to first turn over the motor, especially because the cold battery doesn't have as much power available. With my GMC 3/4 ton diesel, it had two batteries, and needed them. I don't think the van NEEDS two batteries if you get one strong one. The block heater is essential as soon as it is below -5 or ten... My van smokes and struggles if is -10, but fires up nice and smooth if plugged in. Don't worry too much about getting the winter package, but buy a new battery right away to eliminate headaches... Hope that helps.

[marsgal42]

Next winter won't be for a bit yet. Isn't it a bit early to panic?

Yes, the cold weather package includes a monster starter. This is mentioned in all the manuals, including the Russek manual, which gives part numbers and specifications. Gumdrop has the cold weather package and the starter definitely looks hefty, but I've never seen a regular starter, so I can't say just how hefty it is. My coldest start last winter was at -6 with no problems, but that was also with an ailing alternator that wasn't charging the batteries properly.

Use correct starting procedures, as documented in the MMC and JPNZ manuals. Make sure your glow plugs are working properly. Make sure your battery is up to snuff (this is a diesel, after all). Install a block heater if you feel it necessary, or use one of the magnetic oil pan jobs. Neither is necessary in the lower mainland or the southern half of Vancouver Island.

...laura

[Green1]

The van you are getting already has a "new" battery (ok, no idea how new, but it doesn't appear to be japanese)
so I really wouldn't worry about it unless you have an issue, really the "cold weather package" is just the dual batteries and a bigger alternator, the batteries are the one that help you start the vehicle, and from what I gather, we can get batteries in north america with significantly more "Cold Cranking Amps" than anything available in Japan (especially 15 years ago), so one good battery here may be even better than the 2 it came from the factory with.

[Miloki]

Next winter won't be for a bit yet. Isn't it a bit early to panic?

Not panicking but I'm not the sort to wait until a vehicle doesn't start in the cold to think about what I need to do - just like I don't wait for the first 3' dump of snow to fall to put on the snow tires. And it seems to me that if I *know* I'm going to need a part a good six months before the need actually arises, I'm more likely to be able to find a good deal on the part, and I'm also not going to end up with the van sitting in the driveway useless for a couple of weeks while waiting for a part to arrive because I didn't order it until the day I needed it.

Thanks for everyone's input.

(10 days left until I meet my Deli!)

[turf'd]

I have the sticker on my super exceed that says cold weather package (in Japanese. It could say anything really, but someone on this forum mentioned that it's the cold weather sticker) and it has 2 batteries. Now it's also said somewhere that the starter is supposedly beefier on the cold weather package. Well, I changed my starter out last week with a regular one, and it looks exactly the same. Whether the difference is just in the output would require some proper testing.

I needed to put something in to help with the Calgary starts, but it handled -17 or so without any sort of help. It wasn't pretty, it wasn't fast, but Bork fired up none the less. Now with the inline coolant heater in, it starts no matter how cold it gets. (before the heater was put in the only time it didn't start at all was when it dropped to -25 to -37 for a week - even my bike crapped out).

I'd recommend putting a good battery in, and new glow plugs at the very least. Some sort of block heater/inline coolant heater will ensure that your van will fire up in pretty ridiculous temperatures. The 'cold weather package' I wouldn't worry about.

[Green1]

I don't wait for the first 3' dump of snow to fall to put on the snow tires

sheesh... what kind of Canadian ARE you???? how would our economy ever function if everyone was like you... think of the poor unemployed tow truck drivers!

Although some on here have speculated about a bigger starter, the only "authoritative" sources (such as they are) that I've seen only mention the alternator and batteries... so I don't really know if the starter is any different, and I'm inclined to think not.