Winter Running (and I mean winter!)
 

Thinking of running my 81 300TD this winter, first time its ran in winter for 5 years. None of which I have owned it. I live in Alberta so its a real winter down to -30C. Anyone have experiences with these in this kind of cold, I got new glows and relay, think shes ready to go. Anything else to worry about? I think it will make a great winter car, better than my TDI(not on fuel though).

Sorry kinda off topic. What do you think of your TDI? How's the performance compared to your tank of a benz?

You'll most likely need a fuel tank heater. Try to locate member "Lars", he's in Quebec they know a thing or two about cold.....

TDI's are awesome, I got a golf so the 90 HP to move that is easier than the tank, it goes great. With 60 mpg to boot, I just cant sell it, I do think that after searching some more that my baby will be hibernating ( maybe paint and some new rims ,hehe) for the winter. Wanna run it for a while just to see how it does, being that it snowed 3" the other day, it wont be long!!

Good block heater is a requirement. Make sure you get good winter grade fuel (probably not a serious problem in Alberta, though!).

You will need good compression, and a heated garage will make a difference. If it doesn't start instantly in good weather, it ain't gonna start on those cold winter mornings.

Use 5W50 Mobil Truck and SUV oil (aka Mobil Delvac 1) to ease cold cranking.

Plug in at least an hour before starting.

I had a friend in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. who had a 240 D. Worked fine until the compression got low, became almost impossible to start in the winter at work, so he sold it. Parked in a heated garage at home, of course.

Peter

I live in Albera too. I have an '84 190D, and it was no problem at all last winter. The only thing I did to prepare for the cold was to switch to Mobil 1 synthetic oil.

It started up fine on it's own sitting outside all night at -22C (although there was a lot of smoke!), and with a block heater, it started fine down to -34C (it would probably be fine even colder, but that's as cold as it got last winter). A fuel tank heater has not been necessary (so far).