Hard to start.... :(

[philmeup1]

Hey there folks,

I've had my '93 Delica L300 for almost a year now and it's been great so far. However this year it's been a little harder to start in the cold weather. It dropped down to -13 celcious on Sunday morning and I had to stay on the starter with the key to get it going. We're not even into December yet... And I'm scared :(

So I'm working on some preventative measures here. I was told that putting synthetic oil in the engin will help lots and I'm going to install 2 new batteries.

So I'm wondering if anyone has a preference on batteries?? I've been told the skys the limmit depending on what one has to spend. And I don't mind paying for a l'il piece of mind... Also, is anyone using synthetic oil?? And if so, is there a specific kind you prefer??

If this doesn't work, moving to Ley Largo will:)

Thanks for the input as always, Phil

[White Mule]

My list, not in order:

1) install a block heater.
2) ensure glow plugs are correct and functioning.
3) ensure batteries are functioning and posts are clean.
4) use a lighter oil.
5) install a by-pass glow plug switch.

Good luck.

[nvanadm]

x2 on what whitemule said.

I'm in London, ON and we just got a ton of snow. Not sure if you guys got much there.

Having the block heater makes a huge difference. It starts up like it's the middle of summer (or at least fall ). I also use Mobile 1 5W40 synthetic during winter months.

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[bbisset]

What Whitemule said... AND x3 ...5) install a by-pass glow plug switch

If you have two strong batteries, a switch that optionally engages the glow plugs will smooth rough starts in any cold weather and far easier than "multi-priming" the plugs with the ignition prior to turning it over (though it is more effective than nothing).

Also consider Shell Rotella T6 5W-40 over Mobil 1... usually $10 cheaper at Walmart and absolutely equal in performance.

[sub-arctic]

block heater is a must, and strong batteries, get the highest CCAs you can buy that will fit in your battery bay. I got motomaster eliminators, so it was somewhere in the ball park of 1600-1800 ccas total. Thinner oil is a must too. I usually run 5W40 or 0W40 depending on whats available.

[vstrom]

1)Blockheater
2)Oil pan heater
3)Rotella 0w40
4)Optima red-top battery

I give it 2 pumps then crank it over.. it starts better at -40 then +20!

[philmeup1]

Wow,, ok thank's guys,,there's a ton of good info right here. I do have a block heater but didn't think to plug it in as it's only mid November,,, can't wait to see what kind of a winter we're in for this year:(

And sorry but I'm a bit lost on this one.. I've never heard of a by pass switch. Is this an easy thing to purchase and install?? It makes sense to me with it explained.

Thanks everybody, I'm going to pick up the synthetic oil tomorrow when I grab my oil filter. And I'm going to look into those Optima Batteries too.

I refuse to be bullied by Old Man Winter!!! He's going down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cheers, Phil

[konadog]

Wow,, ok thank's guys,,there's a ton of good info right here. I do have a block heater but didn't think to plug it in as it's only mid November,,,

Pretty much any time it's a couple of degrees below freezing or more it's worth plugging in for at least an hour or so before starting. Even though it will generally start reliably without the block heater to about -10, I've found my bus starts much easier and smoother after an hour or so plugged in.

[Firesong]

I'm not a fan of a by pass switch unless your ecu is fried. Use the block heater and put the synthetic 5/40 or 0/40 in. You won't have any problems if things are working the way they should.

[robbieg]

I know I had... many... problems at the start of last winter. My bus bar wasn't connected to my glow plugs, which I only found out when putting in my new glow plugs. I put on a new temperature sensor too, but I suspect the disconnected bus bar was 99% of my problems.
I put on a 'polar pad' (~$100).. but don't even have to use it.
And I'm in Manitoba, so Carlos "El Burrito" Pajero definitely gets a workout in terms of cold.

[philmeup1]

Yeah, I think I'm going to leave the by pass switch thing alone. Everything is working fine as far as I know. Just need to make it easier for cold starts. I'm mechanically declined and I read a few posts on here about glow plugs and the problems that can happen if you ise the wrong ones. I started to get dizzy from all the info...

Last year I had Right Drive in Toronto do a bunch of maintenance work to my van including new glow plugs. They know what their doing and it's been problem free ever since:)

I did pick up some Castrol 5W 40 Synthetic oil and a filter yesterday. Still might install some heavy duty batteries... I quite certain this sshould take care of things.

Thanks once again everyone for the input.

Phil