9 replies to this topic

[crackfoo]

Hi, 

 

As winter approaches the temp is getting colder here. Actually it was only 0C today and already Rupert struggled to start! Caught me by surprise really and had to give him an extra kick with another battery.

 

I've not found anything specific for classic mini's, but are there block heaters available? I've seen some magnetic external heaters... would they be of much use?

 

Any other winter tips for helping ease the starting issues? Hotter plugs? I have BPR7's now, would going back to 6's help? I've already converted to an electric module for my dizzy and thought that would be a great help but after today, I see I may be in for more than I hoped.

 

Thanks!

Edited by crackfoo, 19 October 2015 - 02:28 PM.

[nicklouse]

i never had issues (Sweden 12 years but not Mini) just make sure that you have a good contition battery (more amps the better) and maybe give it a wrap.

yes there are many "block" heaters out there.
the ones i saw as after market in Sweden ran of the mains (they had power in most parking spots)
will have a google later.

not what i was thinking of but

http://sideways-tech...ers-preheaters/

Edited by nicklouse, 19 October 2015 - 02:43 PM.

[Fast Ivan]

http://www.theminifo...ian-cold-start/

[Spitz]

Hello Crack.

 

I'm over in SK.  I think we get a tad colder than you, reaching -40 on occasion ( for those that don't know -40C is the same as -40F ) and I'm not including thaat girly wind chill factor.

I wouldn't even consider starting a MINI at those temps, even with the block heater.

 

You may want to swap to a slightly thinner oil....maybe 10-40....not sure I'd go down as low as a 10-30

Also....ensure your choke is properly functioning and the fast idle cam is adjusted right ( if using an SU )

 

I've got a couple engines with proper block heaters in....I doubt they are MINI specific, you can probably get them off the shelf at Canadian Tire....just have to be sure it fits the frost plug.
I'm not a fan of those stick on oil pan heaters.

 

The best block heater of all would be an in-line type...connects in the coolant hose.  Warm air in the cab as soon as you start up also, these are pricy though...also available at Canadian Tire.

 

Not sure if you've done much winter driving in a MINI, but it's not that much fun when cold.  Those rubber springs get HARD.

 

This should actually work for you

http://www.canadiant...ml#.ViUKC496jyM

and here is the other type.  I had one of these years ago and loved it.

http://www.canadiant...content=Default

 

If worried about fitment, ask at your local NAPA to look up block heater for an MG Midget or Austin 1100 or Austin America....all would be the same

Edited by Spitz, 19 October 2015 - 03:27 PM.

[A-Cell]

The Mini was not the best of cars for sub zero driving. Maybe ok down to -15C which just about covers Europe these days.
Here are a few other issues when driving cars at well below zero
Grease in rod change selector housing needs to be a suitable spec for -40, standard Castrol LM will freeze making gear changes impossible!
You probably want to use some lower grade (thinner) engine oil.
Pure alcohol in wager system, any water left in there will freeze and stop it working.
Windows probably jam due to ice in the rubber channels, combined with frozen grease!

Best way to install coolant heater is to fit it in bottom hose. (As Spitz says). When I was in Timmins Canadian Tyre sold them.
Don't forget to check the plug in posts in public places are working if you intend to leave car out overnight.

[Spitz]

Typical scene at my work place on a cold winter day.

 

Attached Files

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[crackfoo]

Hello Crack.

 

I'm over in SK.  I think we get a tad colder than you, reaching -40 on occasion ( for those that don't know -40C is the same as -40F ) and I'm not including thaat girly wind chill factor.

I wouldn't even consider starting a MINI at those temps, even with the block heater.

 

You may want to swap to a slightly thinner oil....maybe 10-40....not sure I'd go down as low as a 10-30

Also....ensure your choke is properly functioning and the fast idle cam is adjusted right ( if using an SU )

 

I've got a couple engines with proper block heaters in....I doubt they are MINI specific, you can probably get them off the shelf at Canadian Tire....just have to be sure it fits the frost plug.
I'm not a fan of those stick on oil pan heaters.

 

The best block heater of all would be an in-line type...connects in the coolant hose.  Warm air in the cab as soon as you start up also, these are pricy though...also available at Canadian Tire.

 

Not sure if you've done much winter driving in a MINI, but it's not that much fun when cold.  Those rubber springs get HARD.

 

This should actually work for you

http://www.canadiant...ml#.ViUKC496jyM

and here is the other type.  I had one of these years ago and loved it.

http://www.canadiant...content=Default

 

If worried about fitment, ask at your local NAPA to look up block heater for an MG Midget or Austin 1100 or Austin America....all would be the same

 

Yes a bit colder than Halifax. We can see upwards of -30C though but I certainly wouldn't be driving Rupert is those conditions. On average over the course of the winter we usually hover about -10C and a lot of the time a bit warmer. Last couple winters though have broken this trend and we saw long stretches of -20+-. I don't plan on driving him in the dead of winter, but was hoping for another month or even till christmas as we generally don't see snow until December (I just jinx everyone I bet). But if he's having this kinda trouble already I don't have much hope and don't have another vehicle, aside from the family van and the wife is on maternity leave so needs it usually.

 

I have got a new battery and I thought was pretty ampy but maybe I can go bigger still. Is there any sense in having 2 batteries or can that not work properly? I've got a new smaller one just sitting around. We don't have any charging poles around in our city, so I may just strand myself if I get a block heater and use it at home for morning starts... then after work get stuck since I can't use the block heater. Too bad there wasn't a solar option but I suspect in the winter sun, there would not be sufficient power.

 

I've seen a few of those items at crappy tire, perhaps I'll look a little more at the lower hose heater.

 

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

Edited by crackfoo, 20 October 2015 - 12:05 PM.

[Spitz]

Sounds like you do need a better battery, and definately a little thinner oil ( if you're presently using 20/50 )

Years ago I did drive a MINI in the winter....the morning start is the hardest.  While at Canadian Tire....pick up a battery warmer(blanket)....nice and thin and will fit around the battery.  Just keep an extension cord in the boot....run it up to the front overnight and have both the block heater and battery warmer plugged in.

 

On my VW, I have a battery warmer, block heater and interior warmer all plugged into an extension neatly tucked under the hood with just a single male plug hanging through the grille to plug in.

 

Have a timer plugged in.....you don't need full power all night....only for about 3 hours before you need it

[Spider]

http://www.theminifo...ian-cold-start/

 

 

Ha, that's the thread I was thinking of as soon as I read the opening post, most impressive.

 

 

You may want to swap to a slightly thinner oil....maybe 10-40....not sure I'd go down as low as a 10-30

Also....ensure your choke is properly functioning and the fast idle cam is adjusted right ( if using an SU )

 

 

 

In regards to the Viscosity Grades of Oil, here's the Good Oil from the Factory;-

 

So, using the 'typical' 20W40 or 20W50 would in fact be harmful in those temps, a 5W30 or even a 5W20 is appropriate.

 

'Thicker' isn't always best.

Edited by Moke Spider, 20 October 2015 - 07:36 PM.

[Spitz]

Not if running long trips.  I'd not go below 10-30 with a MINI.

Fine for an engine not running it's oil through a transmission also

 

This is why "block heaters" are important here.....so the oil / block is not actually -30 when it's -30 temp outside

Edited by Spitz, 20 October 2015 - 07:41 PM.