Member Since: 17 Apr 2021
Location: Caernarfon
Posts: 27
Finland -30 to -50c
Hi February I'm off to Finland in a 2007 D3 HSE (It has the fuel heater) temperature -30 to -50c
Has anyone experienced or know if the standard vehicle can cope with starting at such temperatures?
Is the anything I can do to help, such as new glow plugs, battery blanket etc.
I have Duratracs on, new, so I think they are mountain/snowflake rated so no snow chains needed I think?
Any advice etc welcome.
31st Jul 2021 10:39 pm
ronald.soak
Member Since: 29 Apr 2008
Location: London
Posts: 534
In Northern Sweden power sockets used to be provided in the carparks of supermarkets and churches for vehicles fitted with I think battery and sump warmers.
I do not know if this is still the case but expecting a battery operating at these temperatures to turn over an engine with very cold oil seems a big ask.
I suspect that the fuel burning heater will have a limited effect on the oil temperature before starting.
Sump heaters used to be available in the form of a replacement sump plug but the D3 plug is of rather small diameter.
John
31st Jul 2021 11:14 pm
kajtzu
Member Since: 10 Aug 2017
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 6767
Okay. What you will need is:
- a known good battery
- fill up with Winter (-26 ish) OR Arctic (-44-ish) diesel in Finland (or Sweden/Norway if you come through there) - Arctic is not sold everywhere in southern Finland (but “better stations” will have it) but all stations north will carry it during the winter season
- as you have diesel, make sure the glow plugs really do work
- as you have diesel, make sure the FBH works
- make sure your coolant is rated and mixed properly for those temperatures (50/50 OAT and water = -37 or so)
- if you appreciate warmth in the cabin do make sure your heater matrix is not obstructed
I doubt you’ll see -50 in Finland.. -38-ish maybe in the very north.
Last winter in Helsinki it got down to -29 I think. No issues with our diesel Volvo and no issues with the D3 V8.
As for chains…. In principle they’re allowed but at the same time they’re not allowed to damage the roads. Anyway, 3PMSF will work and be road legal but do remember to keep a distance and assume that braking will take time. You won’t have studs since they’re not allowed in UK I think.
Oh yeah, welcome
(And if someone with a D4 would come - install piece of cardboard or plastic shield behind grille in front of radiator and in the lower air intake as well. Search the forum, there is a TSB on that and intercooler pipe freezing)
Edit: there was an old thread for someone with a petrol engine but it contains a few more pieces of advice for you… like make sure the windshield wiper fluid is not diluted or water and steps to avoid doors freezing https://www.disco3.co.uk/forum/topic165106.html
1st Aug 2021 12:14 am
ronald.soak
Member Since: 29 Apr 2008
Location: London
Posts: 534
Kajtzu has not commented on them, and he is in the best position to know, but I have received advice that heating poles,(power sockets), are provided at some parking places in Finland. Presumably in the north.
Battery heating pads are advised in Alaska and apparently low temperatures adversely affect older wiper rubbers, timing and drive belts, making them more likely to break.
John
1st Aug 2021 12:36 am
kajtzu
Member Since: 10 Aug 2017
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 6767
Our Volvo has a FBH and it is used every day in winter both in the morning and afternoon
The V8 starts reliably in all temperatures tested so far (knock on wood) and it does not have any electrical sump warmer.
I’m not a real expert on LR diesels but I’d assume they work similar to diesel Volvos.
Throughout the country residential areas, hotels and some supermarkets will have electrical outlets and of course they are useful if you have such equipment. Here I think the trend is that petrol engines are heated electrically (it’s just the oil usually) while diesels have FBH (warming both engine and usually also interior). The ideal would be to be able to park inside a warm garage
1st Aug 2021 12:40 am
nigethecat
Member Since: 11 Sep 2016
Location: Marnoch
Posts: 4252
It’s a beautiful country, enjoy your time there!
I worked out there for a while and took a LHD 07 plate D3 with me and remember the laughter in the garage when I had it serviced and they tested the anti freeze (fortunately before it got properly cold)
Listen to everything Kajtzu has said I want to see the sweets before I get into your windowless van... I'm not stupid!
Corris Grey D4 Commercial SE 2016
Zermatt Sliver 2007 D3 SE manual (gone)
Indus Silver D4 HSE 2015 (gone)
Bonatti Grey D3 HSE 2006 (gone)
White D3 S (LHD) 2007 (gone)
Firenze Red D4 HSE 2014 (gone)
Black RRS 3.6TDV8 2008 (gone)
Rusty Green Defender 110 1997 (gone)
Black FL2 HSE 2013 (gone)
1st Aug 2021 6:57 am
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 73121
Hopefully things will have changed by Feb but just getting there is more of a challenge than getting around when there.
1st Aug 2021 6:58 am
Dafydd_Cymru
Member Since: 17 Apr 2021
Location: Caernarfon
Posts: 27
I'll keep it flexible as this virus has made everything unpredictable.
1st Aug 2021 8:30 am
Dafydd_Cymru
Member Since: 17 Apr 2021
Location: Caernarfon
Posts: 27
Thanks for all the info, loads there I did not even think about so great info.
kajtzu many thanks.... it is a stunning country. I just thought of light as well in winter, so I'll add extra lights.
I'll ask about the belts in really cold weather as that could be a huge expense.
But now I can get planning.
1st Aug 2021 8:43 am
kajtzu
Member Since: 10 Aug 2017
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 6767
About the belt thing.… I’ve never heard of it being a regular occurrence here and would make the reasonable assumption that if your belts are changed as per regular maintenance schedule you’ll be fine. Yes, there might be one or two exceptions where a belt would break but suppose you’re in year 2 out of 7 for the timing belt and 3/7 of the distance I wouldn’t worry about it.
1st Aug 2021 10:36 am
Dafydd_Cymru
Member Since: 17 Apr 2021
Location: Caernarfon
Posts: 27
2 month old belt and new oil pump...so should be fine
1st Aug 2021 11:40 am
ronald.soak
Member Since: 29 Apr 2008
Location: London
Posts: 534
Just new wipers before you go then.🙂
John
1st Aug 2021 1:46 pm
kajtzu
Member Since: 10 Aug 2017
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 6767
I’d strongly recommend not to use the wipers at all in -10 or lower temperatures no matter what you have as the windscreen wiper fluid. The end result will be a mess.
Also, if you have a heated screen…. It’s very useful.
1st Aug 2021 2:56 pm
Dafydd_Cymru
Member Since: 17 Apr 2021
Location: Caernarfon
Posts: 27
Yep in Wales, we get bad winters. Fill the bottle with a wash that doesn't freeze but to get it out you rip the wipers. The heated front window is a godsend.
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