Winter is coming

[muk138]

Hello all, I live in Winnipeg where the weather can be -30 or colder for weeks on end. I don't have anything in the van right now to get my started in the winter. After talking to my mechanic he recommended just using a oil pan heater. But after searching the site it seems like a block heater plug is the only way to go?

Any advice from some more experienced people living in extreme cold climates? I don't have 1k sitting around for a more robust system.

Cheers!
Marcus

[White Mule]

Fresh or checked glow plugs

Block heater

Lighter oil

Oil pan heater

Manual glow plug switch, separate from ECU

Correct rad fluid

[VanVonVan]

Hey Marcus,

I also live in Winnipeg, last year was brutally cold. All I had was a block heater for my L400 and it started fine, this was parked outside in my back yard so no coverage. I also use 0W40 full synthetic heavy duty Diesel oil which I think helps as well. Block heaters I`ve heard are awkward to put in but not too difficult. Here`s one guys install:

http://www.delica.ca/forum/alternate-bl ... 12188.html

Hope that helps,

Russell

[Big-Bird]

Alberta had a cold snap or 3 last year and I parked outdoors all winter.

I bought the higher wattage oil pan heater from Canadian tire and purchased a good set of glow plugs to ensure consisitent pre-heat cycles. Give the bus bar a good cleaning too to ensure maximum amperage gets to the glow plugs...very important!

Clean your battery terminals and connections. Get the charging system checked as well to ensure alternator and battery health are optimal.

My L400 is switched to a 0W30 synthetic oil for winter and gets a shot of CETANE enhancer with every feulfill to ensure good combustion at startup.

I have no block heater, pain to install in the 4M40 engine and had no issues all winter. Even on the days I didn't plug in it still started like a champ every time. But do the preventive stuff now and make sure everything is working properly. Sucks changing parts in temps below zero...every degree lower than Zero-C sucks that much more!

[muk138]

Thanks for the input all! VERY helpful. Another question, how long do you let your glow plugs do their magic before you try and turn the engine over?

VanVonVan, you live in the River Heights area? I think we seen your baby parked outside! We had to creep on it since we don't see Delicas very often, specially L400s.

I just got my oil changed but I think I should probably get it changed again to what you all recommend. Is that type of oil pretty easy to get a hold of?

Cheers,
Marcus

[VanVonVan]

Hey Marcus,

I usually wait 15 seconds, maybe, something like that. I grab the 0W40 from Partsource, the shell rotella brand is usually a decent price. I do not live the river heights area, must be another awesome person. Hahaha I am more in the north part of the city. Gimme a shout if you wanna do more then just creep on a L400, I am always down for a coffee with fellow delica enthusists.

Russell