Winter Usage

[canoebuildah]

If all goes well, I will be picking up my new work truck this week which will be a Mitsubishi. I plan on using this as my everyday work vehicle here in Maine which means six months of below freezing weather. And in January, we usually get several weeks of below 0 degree weather.

What can I do to make it "winter-proof"? I plan on keeping in a heated garage at nights which should help. I will not be plowing with it and will be on packed gravel and tar roads. I am guessing I should throw some tube sand in back to help with traction.

[speedy67]

The trucks I have seem to be jetted rather rich. (Sea-level in Japan?) I don't know, maybe a 'hotter' spark plug would help to burn this excess fuel and provide some additional power? Or else some carb adjustments may be in order.

An engine heater of some type may be warranted to ensure starts at work when it's time to go home. Lower radatiator hose heaters seem to be the simplest options, be aware ot proper installation. There are also glue-on oil pan heaters that will give some convection heat to the engines internal parts, but they are very low wattage. A freeze plug block heater is another option, although a more involved install.

Flush the coolant and replace with the proper concentration to acheive the level of protection required. Will your Mitsu have an engine-driven fan? If so, consider a piece of cardboard with appropriate openings cut out to block some of the cold air from flowing through the radiator at traveling speeds.

Be aware that some of the heater settings will deliver only unheated outside air. (usually the dash vent setting) Also, a 12 volt circulating fan might be in order to keep the windows clear on the exceptionally cold days.

Also, ensure that your warm air intake system for the engine is functioning properly, that will help the engine keep up to operating temp.

[d rock]

ditto on the coolant change. as far as starting goes though, i've had Zero issues firing up my Acty here in Manitoba. its sits outside and in -25 celsius (-13 F) it fires right up. i should be adding a front rad cover ( read stylish piece of cardboard of shag rug) but until i can get into a heated garage to do it i'll wait on that. so in a nutshell, it'll start just fine.