300D starts in -20C weather.

[Graham]

We have had some phenomenally cold weather up here. Our 85 300D had been sitting outside since before Christmas. Decided to use it today, and she started right up first time. No block heater and quite old battery.

Never always did this even after rebuild about 120k km ago. I did two things that I think might have helped:
- Tightened alternator belts. I think they may have slipped a bit under load and as a result battery never got fully charged
- Did a valve adjustment this past Spring.

Whatever reason, she starts and runs great! Even after owning for 27 years, still love this old car!