First Impressions of A Delica P24 (Petrol That Is)

[twisted]

Petrol Delly? What models did they come in and where can I get one!!! Here in Edmonton we have been at -32 and my van has not sarted since dispite block oilpan and battery heaters. Even if I did get her started I would be pooched if I have to park it some where that I could not plug in. My pathfinder, gas job, on the other hand has not seen a plug yet and fires up every time. Biggest problem is that I am a fammilly of six and we dont fit in it. And the wife is starting to wonder if diesel was a bad choice, at this point I am not far behind her.

[docsavage]

Twisted,

There was a gas Deli listed on this site a while back, Glen at CCAutos knows of it, try contacting him. I special ordered mine through one of the importers in Vancouver. I just rolled into Edmonton last night and am here till Wednesday. The van ran great in the cold, except my antifreeze is only good to -30 or so and was a little thick Saturday morning in Williams Lake. A bit of warming and it was flowing fine again. I replaced the battery in Williams Lake as well, the factory battery was about the size of a garden tractor battery and didn't like the cold. My cell is 240-844-1091 if you want to try driving mine (5 speed). I'm staying near the coliseum.

To get your rig running, try opening the hood, make a tent with a thick blanket and use one of the 1200 watt ceramic heaters over the head to start heating it for a couple hours. It worked for me up to -40 with my old diesel.

James

[twisted]

A big thanks to docsavage!!! He was here in town and let me take his petrol van for a spin. After that test drive a question comes to mind. Why are we all driving diesels? It was nimmble, peppy, and in Northern climates alot easier to start at -30 conditions. I am at the piont of selling my diesel and getting petrol. Any one interested in a van?

[marsgal42]

Why are we all driving diesels?

They are more durable.

They are cheaper to run.

They sound cooler.

...laura

[twisted]

I agree dont get me wrong but try and start one when the temp has been -30 for 2 weeks straight. anything over 6 hours with no plug in and you dont have a hope! I love my van but for winter use a petrol would be great!

[Profister]

They are more durable.

They are cheaper to run.

I wish.

[docsavage]

A diesel may be more durable when properly maintained, but I do not believe they are cheaper to run. Gas motors can be rebuilt for less than the cost of the IP pump repair. Gas is around 20 cents a litre cheaper, fuel economy is exactly the same as the diesel (1600 km in -20 or colder, in and out of 4wd, 100 to 120 kph, full fans and headlights, 13 l/100km). The filters for a gas are cheaper, the oil is cheaper, parts are cheaper. There are also plenty of aftermarket parts to continue to tune the gas engine for power and economy.

I don't like to disparage diesels - in fact I love them and the simplicity - but in this application this is the wrong diesel. A slightly larger diesel would provide the necessary power for the weight of the vehicle, and likely return better economy as it wouldn't be working so hard. \

Just an opinion from one who has put lots of kilometers in a diesel Deli and really loves the gasser.

James

[Green1]

They are cheaper to run.

when I bought my Delica and diesel was 20 c/litre cheaper than gas I would agree with you, now that it's 20 c/litre more expensive than gas, I'm not so sure...

They do last longer though... and when was the last time you found a gas vehicle that you could fill up with used fryer grease?