Getting old 60 series Tojo ready for the snow..

Hi Rowen, in regards to starting the old girl, start it on petrol.
Petrol will fire easier than gas in cold temperatures, then when warm change over to gas.
Enjoy the season.
Will

Hi Rowen,

after over 20 years living in the snow in Australia, North America and Europe I may be able to offer these suggestions. Firstly gas ( Propane in the states) does not like starting in temps below zero if it has not been driven for a few days. The biggest problem is moisture in the gas system in the cold. LPG systems can freeze up really well here in Victoria with the only way to get them going is to be towed to a warme climate and let them thaw out for a day or 2. The part that freezes is the piping and feeder to the inlet into the head. LPG does carry a bit of moisture and the internals freeze up quite easily. To avoid this just switch the fuel over to petrol 5 or more km's before stopping. I towed 2 LPG vehicles off the mountain last season when the fuel systems froze up.

Petrol cars in general do not like being left in the snow for more than a few days before the electrical systems start to play up. Moisture gets into coils, leads and many other parts that make starting difficult. I would reccommend actually leaving your car down well below the freezing point of the mountain. A blanket or cover will do nothing to keep the engine warm as eventually the blanket and all engine parts will get down to the ambient air temperature anyway. The only reason that blankets work on humans is that the human is a source of heat. Once we stop producing heat the blanket cannot keep us warm. It is the same with cars once the engine cools down so will the blanket.

The reason why all work vehicles in the snow are diesels is that they are less likely (not completely failsafe) to break down due to the fact that there are little in the way of electrical parts that may fail in the extreme cold. Buller has a fleet of 35 diesel troopies and they have no starting problems that I am aware off.

You have done all of the correct things with preparation one more thing would be to change your oil to one that is suited to the cold like a 15/40 or lower. this will provide better protection for the engine at cold start up and run at a better viscosity in cold climates.

To clear the windows from the inside just put on your air conditioning once the heater has warmed up. It will take the moisture out of the interior air in about 20 seconds. I have never needed anything for the outside of the window. Dont lock the car if it is in the snow for a long time. The locks freeze up and people bust their keys. The best thing is the push button key systems if you have one fitted. Also do not open the doors too fast if they have been frozen shut. I have seen brand new cars opened too fast and rip off all of the door seals. Also do not put boiling water on the screen as it can crack it. Use cold water.

I had a 60 series in the resorts for years it handled the snow well. They are a great vehicle. Where are you working? I consult at all major resorts in Vic and NSW. I may see you around.