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Post by dave1800 on Mar 3, 2018 8:37:21 GMT
A topical question for those of you in the UK, Canada, Norway or any other part of the world suffering sub zero temperatures. It is always good practice to routinely run the engine up to normal temperature when the car is laid up for the winter and to operate the clutch. If it is not possible to run up to temperature the engine should be rotated to avoid leaving valve springs under compression for too long. I've been watching some videos on oil viscosity at sub zero temperatures and the 20W50 oil used in the crab engines shared with the gearbox and final drive does seem to flow very slowly. Would you recommend avoiding starting the engine until the weather improves? Maybe not an option in parts of Scandinavia or Canada? Ps it's nice and warm here  David |
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Post by peppib on Mar 4, 2018 9:09:05 GMT
Mo will get her usual wake up call at lunchtime and plough through the snow to get us to lunch!
Merc is still buried in a mound of snow outside and I don't have the energy to clear it. Bet her battery is flat when I reach her 
Dave
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Post by dave1800 on Mar 4, 2018 10:30:40 GMT
No need to worry about vapour lock today! Drive carefully. David Mo will get her usual wake up call at lunchtime and plough through the snow to get us to lunch!
Merc is still buried in a mound of snow outside and I don't have the energy to clear it. Bet her battery is flat when I reach her
Dave |
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Post by peppib on Mar 4, 2018 10:37:35 GMT
Nor frostbite David as her heater works very well!
I know she will make the journey and bring us safely home.
Dave
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Post by Penguin45 on Mar 4, 2018 18:25:42 GMT
The red car has been getting regular use. Beyond checking the levels very regularly all I've done is give the engine a couple of minutes to warm through before attemoting to drive.
Chris.
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Post by paddymk2 on Mar 4, 2018 21:19:24 GMT
The thing I hate about those conditions, is getting stuck behind a gritting lorry on some B road. Trying to keep a good distance while looking for a perch to overtake.
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Post by peppib on Mar 5, 2018 8:13:46 GMT
It started raining heavily whilst I was out. On the return journey the roads were flooded and some twonk in a 4x4 shot past sending a wave of water through the grill and over the distributor. Another mile and she stalled at traffic lights. One of those massive American pick up things pulled alongside and asked if I needed a tow. I just showed him my trusty tin of WD40 and 2 minutes later we were mobile again.
I do have the plastic water shield for the distributor but my hands are no longer strong enough to fit it. I even tried a rubber glove with ends of fingers cut off, but again, lack of use of hands defeated me. Many moons ago you used to be able to buy plastic stuff in an aerosol which worked very well on a Riley Elf in the 60's. Will have to look and see if something similar is available nowadays.
The heavy rain has released the Merc from its snow cocoon, so that is available again once all traces of ice are gone from the roads - that car hates ice
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Post by dave1800 on Mar 6, 2018 1:23:42 GMT
This is the one I recall; doesn't seem to be listed by Halfords any more. HoltsDavid Many moons ago you used to be able to buy plastic stuff in an aerosol which worked very well on a Riley Elf in the 60's. Will have to look and see if something similar is available nowadays. |
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Post by peppib on Mar 6, 2018 7:57:15 GMT
Thanks David - yes, that is the one I used to use. Will get some this week
Dave
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Post by foglaursen on Mar 6, 2018 20:45:38 GMT
I drive my Landcrabs all year round. Here I am enjoying the salt on the roads in Denmark. Peter  MOVI0845-1-1 by Peter Laursen, on Flickr  |
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Post by peppib on Mar 7, 2018 7:51:58 GMT
Forgot to say - I pulled in for fuel and a guy pulling away rolled his window down and yelled to me that I shouldn't have THAT car out in this weather! It is my every day driver, not a museum exhibit
Good photo Peter - shows these cars were built for use in all conditions
Dave
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Post by dave1800 on Mar 7, 2018 10:22:28 GMT
Hi Peter Maybe the Danish salt is less corrosive than that used in the UK What precautions do you take to keep your car looking so good? regards David |
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Post by foglaursen on Mar 7, 2018 11:34:56 GMT
Luckily the car has been rust protected from new including cavities, so it has had very little welding done. Every year I check the rust protection, and add new protection where needed. As it is only small areas I can use a brush instead of a spray gun. I use a product called Dinitrol. Although the chrome is very good on these cars I apply a thin layer of engine oil on bumpers and lamps. That is all I do. Peter PS: If you click on the picture is in fact a video. |
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