Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Equipping the Overland Vehicle
Equipping the Overland Vehicle Vehicle accessories - Making your home away from home comfortable, safe and reliable.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Overlanders Handbook - everything you need to know, available NOW!

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 5 Oct 2007
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,911
Avoid using ether [Easystart] .... An excess will blow head gaskets and warp cylinder heads , I've seen it happen..

I can attest to that. I had a recovery service bring about the ruin of a 2.25 LR diesel engine (broken crank a couple of days later) after a quick squirt to get it running.

Interesting to know that modern high pressure/CRDs don't like mixing it up. Another reason to stick with old diesels in the wilds.

I've also had a 60-series hand brake not disengage at -10 or so until the car was running for a while. I've also heard that parking on ice with low psi tyres warmed from a day's run can see them freeze to the ice overnight - though no sure if this is an urban myth.

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 5 Oct 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Anchorage, Alaska
Posts: 326
[
I've also had a 60-series hand brake not disengage at -10 or so until the car was running for a while. I've also heard that parking on ice with low psi tyres warmed from a day's run can see them freeze to the ice overnight - though no sure if this is an urban myth.
]

It happens all the time but the torque reduction in low gear, particularly low range breaks it loose. When I park my smaller vehicles in my gravel/mud driveway during autumn, before it snows, on nights that are going to be cold I put it in low range since frozen mud holds the tire tighter than just ice. It's a good idea to put a vehicle into low range before parking it in very low temps as well since the transfer case will warm up quicker with less strain on the motor and transmission, at lower speeds which is easier on the axles. At subzero (F.) temps I drive about 0.5 km in low range. Not in the Unimog, low range is 5.76:1.

Charlie
__________________
Unimog U500 w/Unicat
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 9 Oct 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 13
Thanks a lot!

First of all: thanks a lot for all ur advise. I feel sort of prepared and have some pretty good ideas what to do.

In fact, my Cruiser has already 3 batteries - one of them used for the fridge and gagets like this. I guesss I won't need the fridge up in Siberia, so I will connect all 3 batteries. Also,. there is a "blanket" in front of the radiator.

The only thing which keeps me worrying a bit is the motor: it's a 1996 Turbo-Diesel with 24Valves and 6 cylinders - does anybody have experience with this motor and additives or petrol-blended Diesel?

Cheers,
Tobias
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 9 Oct 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Scotland
Posts: 775
Tobias,

Quote:
...so I will connect all 3 batteries.
If it's a 12V/24V stater Landcruiser, it's not a very good idea. You need either two or four batteries.

Quote:
does anybody have experience with this motor and additives or petrol-blended Diesel?
Your engine is like all other landcruiser diesel engines, so there's nothing special about this engine when it comes to additives. You will find that diesel powered cars are not the favourite local transport, but the natives will certainly teach you a few tricks.
__________________
----------------
Roman (UK)
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 2 Nov 2007
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,911
minus 50

Having a Siberian day today and found this nice string of wintery of pix.
http://gelaendewagen.at/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=5693
Note the trucker who parked too long on those lethal warm tyres... ;-)
Fit ARB tyre coolers!


Ch
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 3 Nov 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Derbyshire
Posts: 22
Flame down the throat

There is a technique I have used down to -45c to start engines that have fuel at the injectors and will turn over on the starter of putting a flame into the inlet manifold while turning the engine over foot to floor. If I had one to hand it would be a small propane gas blow torch if not some rolled up newspaper ( dont let the paper get sucked in when the engine fires)as close to the cylinder head as you can convenienly get, remove the air flter if required. The idea is that for what ever reason the compression is not raising the airin the cylinder above the spontaneouse ignition temperature of the fuel.Boiling point of propane is about -40c and butane about 0 c below these temperatures torches and stoves will not work.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 3 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Cairo
Posts: 304
Same

It's a variation on what I said previously and does work - "oily rag soaked in diesel, held in your barbecue tongs, set alight and put close to the air inlet so that the hot gasses are sucked in when you turn the engine over."
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 3 Nov 2007
Dodger's Avatar
Large Golden Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 1,085
The flame from a Tiger torch [ heavy duty propane torch ] placed directly in the intake will usually get an engine going .But not always, as the very cold steel of the engine will suck away the heat of the flame .
I've used coffee cans with about 2 inches of diesel in them , set alight and placed under the engine for 20 minutes or so .
There is a very real danger of fire , but ,placed under the sump, it will heat up the engine block enough to allow the engine to start .
A 4 foot length of stove pipe and a Tiger torch is better .
__________________
Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light. - Spike Milligan
"When you come to a fork in the road ,take it ! When you come to a spoon in the road ,take that also ."
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 4 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 4 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Vladivostok-Mongolia-Europe in Winter Panmundo-Tobias 4 wheel Overland Travel 4 9 Oct 2007 17:45
Diesel engines Walkabout Other Bikes Tech 1 15 Sep 2007 18:38
Operating a Diesel Vehicle in COLD Climates danielsprague Equipping the Overland Vehicle 19 6 Nov 2005 21:13
Changes in diesel law 1.july 2005 geokobbi Iceland 0 19 Apr 2005 00:08
No Diesel?! Roy&Doede North Africa 2 3 Jun 2002 22:12

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 00:51.