Calgary deep freeze!

[White Mule]

-34c and the Mule wants to start, but doesnt quite get over the hump. I have an oil pan magnetic heat element working away and it seems to work. Is there is a trick that may help?

[drrod]

I have my doubts about the magnetic oil pan heater (although I haven't tried one). I would seriously recommend putting in at least a frost plug type block heater. We have that and it starts right up. Just have to tickle the throttle a bit once it is running or it will die sometimes.
For today, I would suggest putting a heat lamp or electric space heater under the motor if possible. Even a large wattage light bulb will help. The more you can "block" the heat in the better. Even using the snow to build up a bit of an igloo wall under the motor would help.
Good luck! Maybe a good day to stay in!?
Rod

[wookie]

Block heater all the way!

[White Mule]

The good thing about naming a vehicle "Mule" is that stubborn is second nature. After a second attempt, it fired right up. Love that 4x4 too!
Cheers on the feedback.

[loki]

The good thing about naming a vehicle "Mule" is that stubborn is second nature. After a second attempt, it fired right up. Love that 4x4 too!
Cheers on the feedback.

living in Victoria I haven't had much reason to do it but I think some people cycle the glow plugs multiple times when it get really cold and that can help.

[Green1]

the key to cold weather starting a diesel:
- run the glow plugs multiple times (I tend to go for 3-4 cycles at this temperature)
- once you start cranking, KEEP cranking. let go of the key only once the vehicle is running, or it won't turn over any more, if you stop and try again you will have lost any progress you made the first time, it's also amazing how often I've finally started after it sounds like it can barely turn the engine any more.

Other tips:
- block heaters rock! only about $25 in parts, but it's the labour that kills you.
- make sure you have GOOD batteries, a little weak in the summer translates to useless in the winter.
- any starting problem you have in the summer will be 100x worse in the winter, so make sure you deal with even the minor ones, they can be a real show stopper at -30

[White Mule]

- once you start cranking, KEEP cranking.

In theory it started first thing, had I stayed with the key. However concerns of burning out the starter came to mind?

[robinimpey]

Had a magnetic oil pan heater for CT. Didn't help much when it was really cold. Particularly when my van was outside and it was windy.

Put on a lower rad hose heater. Better, but not good enough when it was really cold.

Amazing Auto put on a block heater and now that it is -25 and windy I just plug my van in and it starts right up without hesitation. It IS the solution if you live in a cold climate.

Another note about cold weather starting. I switched over the 100% synthetic oil and cold starts are SOOOOOO much easier. It must be slippery stuff as my van doesn't warm up as quick as it used to, engine braking is less than it used to be and idling is much smoother when cold and hot. I expect that I should be able to improve fuel economy as well. (I also added a frantz bypass oil filter as well, but more on that after I've had it for a while.)

[deLOOKA]

derailing thread.

i didn't think we had room to add a bypass filter system.
( i just learned about this bypass filter system today)

back to program.

[robinimpey]

Not lots of room, but enough. I have a single battery that I repositioned so that it sits in the position it would if there were two and mounted the fliter beside the battery. (It also serves as a battery warmer in the winter. ) I'll post a picture and a write up sometime. It was a pretty easy install although it is always difficult working under the hood with size 12 hands. Me thinks the Delica was engineered by guys with little hands!

[EnviroImports.com]

ya, i have to agree, Block heater & synthetic oil, I lived in Edmonton for around 20 years and synthetic oil can sure make the difference. I used to run dual Block heaters, & a lower rad hose heater. I guess thats why I now live in Victoria....

[CrazyFamilyof5]

anyone know the part number for the block heater?

[snelson]

Yikes - crazy cold driving into Banff this morning - apparently it's -42 without windchill.
The deli made it here from Calgary like a champ, but trying to turn the steering wheel when cornering was like I was driving through a foot of sand. Soooo stiff...
Fun times! Thank god I got the block heater installed a few weeks back...

[snelson]

Hey Crazy, I PMd you the part number on Friday but it must not have made it....sorry.
I just searched on this site for "block heater part number"

Edit - found it for you...
Block heater Napa # 605-3509 OR Temro # 310-0051

[wookie]

Napa 605-3032
If you need any details, just PM me. I just did mine.
Darcy