Delicas in the cold
Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2009 2:02 pm
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.
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.