Rather than covering the rad, cover the oil cooler in very cold weather. This allows the oil to run hotter and do a better job of lubrication while keeping the coolant at the correct temp.

Do, however, remember to remove the cover is the early spring, as summer temps with the oil cooler covered will overheat the oil terribly, usually with ruined bearings as a result!

If you have a leaking coolant hose, replace them all -- it is leaking because the rubber is shot, and it will probably blow when it gets hot in the spring.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!