Delicas in the cold

[kidwrecked]

Just thought I would put my two bits in.

We just came back from two weeks in Alberta. The coldest we got was -37 and with the block heater plugged in it started fine.

We found that eventhough our antifreeze is rated for -45 and it sat for three days, the lines going to the heater core froze and we couldn't get heat for about half an hour. The hydraulic clutch froze, but that is just a maintenance issue that I forgot about before we left.

We noticed a huge fuel consumption increase due to the cold weather, the colder denser air and possibly the elevation, but felt better when we warmed up on our return trip and got the mileage back.

Yes, it moves around in the snow quite well (We rarely needed 4x4), but as in other posts it is narrow and short with a VERY light rear end. If you slow down, use your brains, and practice in a parking lot, you will get around just fine. We travelled almost 3000 km in adverse weather with only one incident due to the light rear end whipping out too fast for a decent recovery. I blame myself for not taking the time to practice and get the feel for the van and it's responses to different situations. We are pleased that we could take a good hit and keep going without major repairs. We were able to get out of the ditch and stay running to keep the other people warm until all was recovered.

Overall our trip was a good experience and the Delica is still wonderful for us.

Andrew



We didn't see a single Delica after leaving the lower mainland. Get out there and have some fun.

[wookie]

We traveled to Brandon, Manitoba over the holidays and didn't have any (real) problems. The coldest we found was -38 and windchill of -47. Yuk! Had the block heater plugged in and no start problems though I had to get the 15W 40 out and put in synthetic. Sounded a little better after it initially starts.
Although we did run out of fuel 10km east of Brooks Ab. Our fuel gauge doesn't work and we were going for 500km fills and the fuel light came on at 450km and we made it to 509km. Good thing for a quick tow truck with a jerry can and a quick call to Konadog to check out this site to instruct me on the bleed process. It was -30 at the time so I'm glad we had it running in about 30 min.
I must say the worst part of the trip was between Nanaimo and Courtney. Good thing for the studded tires and of course driving accordingly (slow!).

Darcy

Ya we didn't see any Deli's either.