Block Heater

[rdub]

Im wondering if there is a way to run a cord to the block, for cold mornings ,not needed yet but im looking into a job in Willams Lake and im curious if any of you Northern folk have done it yet or know a procedure.
or if its possible on the Delicas. Thanks

[josh]

Try the search function... the second post (after yours) that came up regarding blockheaters has Docsavage's ritual for starting his delica in Williams Lake of all places. How is that for relevant! viewtopic.php?f=20&t=1101&p=7246&hilit= ... ater#p7246 (look at the last post... Aug 23rd).

Mine started almost everytime last winter with a large battery and a magnetic oil pan heater. (but its not so chilly here, tops -30).

Josh

[docsavage]

rdub,

Even up here in Williams Lake, there are very few days where a block heter is actually needed. I don't use one till it gets below -15 which in the 6.5 years I've been here is maybe 2 weeks a year.

James

[Adrock]

I believe my starting issues in kimberley stemmed more from the elevation and the fuel/oxygen issues it caused. The -25 weather was just the last thing to make it impossible to start. It was rough there all summer, so if you go anywhere with some decent elevation for a long period of time look at adjusting your mixture.

[ccautos]

We have succesfully installed a block heater into a Delica .... but its a nightmare job . The correct location for the block heater is the core plug right behind the starter motor which means removal of left engine mount and stater motor to gain access . Not sure whether the new owner of the van uses this forum so I will post info on how well it works if they don`t .

[bluetick]

I live near Pigeon Lake in Central Alberta. I plan to park the Delica inside my blacksmith shop
at night in the winter. However, I do spend a fair bit of time in the foothills with
my hounds during the coldest months. I was planning on hanging a trouble light
attached to a portable battery in the engine compartment when leaving the van.
I can be out on the snowshoes for 8 hours or more during cold weather chasing the dogs.
I'm interested to see if the light will provide enough heat to get me re-started,
but i do not want to find out at 9 pm on a remote logging road in -20 after snowshoeing all day!!!! Any opinions?
Does anybody put a belly tarp on the van in really cold weather? (-35 etc)

[Adrock]

but i do not want to find out at 9 pm on a remote logging road in -20 after snowshoeing all day!!!! Any opinions?
)

get a good sleeping bag!

But seriously, applications such as this are what the webasto blue heat (i think thats what its called) system is great for. Takes diesel from your tank to warm the engine and the passenger compartment, costs about $3000 I think, but if its the only way to survive then its the only way to go.

[Green1]

The webasto is definitey the way to go for your application, and I plan to get one installed in my Delica sometime too, that said, last winter I started at -20 without any supplemental heat a couple times... it wasn't happy, but it went... make sure you have good batteries though! (and I have a feeling it would have had some more serious issues any colder)

[niekt]

The webasto is definitey the way to go for your application, and I plan to get one installed in my Delica sometime too

Once you have it installed one you'll wonder how you ever managed without one and why you haven't bought it years ago. Although it's not as cold as in Canada over here i wouldn't want to do without the Webasto anymore.
Here is the list of Webasto dealers.

[Green1]

niekt: how long do you run it for? is it similar time to a block heater? or quicker?

[niekt]

how long do you run it for? is it similar time to a block heater? or quicker?

Depends on the outside temperature but usualy half an hour is enough to preheat your engine and defrost the windows
(but never had temperatures below -20)

[bluetick]

Maybe I'll have to stick to the Toyota when out with my hunting hounds.
In weather below -25 how long could one leave a parked Delica b/f
it wouldn't start without some kind of assistance? For example, if my truck were parked
outside a barn for a few hours while I shod some horses inside, would I be calling my wife for a ride home? I realise each vehicle is different, but I have no idea what to expect.

[Green1]

I've found that 4-6 hours is fine, longer than that tends to be like leaving it overnight... but your results will vary, especially if you leave it parked facing in to the wind...
really though, it's no worse than any older diesel vehicle, they all hate the cold.