Thread: Snow reminder

Originally Posted by Disco44

What's the difference between Alpine and normal diesel.Is alpine the same as the old winter diesel which had kero in it?
John

Thanks already answered This will teach me to read all the posts before I ask something.
John.

A common trick used in the deep freeze snow belts of the US and Canada on heavy trucks is to weld a 2" branch fitted with an on/off valve low down into the usual 5" exhaust stacks and direct the outlet of the branch towards the pick up point of the fuel line at the bottom of the fuel tanks.

Shattered that the Queens B'day weekend came around so quickly, cos I'd love one final drive up in the High Country before seasonal closures. Was tempted to go this arvo except for a busy schedule over the next few days.

Why was that rule put into place btw? Too many unprepared people venturing up there, misguided tree-huggers or what? It annoys me so much, as years ago my old housemate n I did a week's annual trip 4x4'ing up there in the snow (the tracks were defo open, but can't remember the exact dates back then!). It was the highlight of our year!

Originally Posted by Hymie

Ummm, where does half of your drive most of your braking and all of your steering come from?
The front, thats where the chains go on a fourby.

I was told years ago that if only fitting 2 chains on a 4wd then fit one front and one rear diagonally opposite, this wasnt vehicle specific so may lead to no traction on a landy.

Is it a requirement to carry chains on a 4wd? I have been told that it isn't.

Originally Posted by Frenchie

Is it a requirement to carry chains on a 4wd? I have been told that it isn't.

Yes it is, it would be rare to be asked to fit them but you must carry them, it also depends where you go.

Re Alpine Diesel - we were caught out last year at Guthega in my step fathers HiLux Surf. He apparently did fill up with alpine diesel, but after a -4 night the Surf took 2+ hrs to get started ! What eventually got it going was a gallons of very hot water poured over the fuel lines and injectors. It was the end of the season and NRMA said if we hadnt got it going we would have to walk out

Regarding chains - yes in VIC (unlike NSW) chains must be carried by all vehicles incl 4WD's. Years ago when Hotham was very heavily snowed in the only cars they were letting down the mountain on the Harrietville side were 4WD's with chains fitted ! Lucky we happen to be in a Subie with chains at the time.

I just picked up an as new set of Konig's on evilbay for my Disco, and was surprised to also read the Disco Owners manual that they should be fitted to the rear only, for brake clearance reasons. Not the usual practice !

Happy skiing

Originally Posted by simonmelb

Re Alpine Diesel - we were caught out last year at Guthega in my step fathers HiLux Surf. He apparently did fill up with alpine diesel, but after a -4 night the Surf took 2+ hrs to get started ! What eventually got it going was a gallons of very hot water poured over the fuel lines and injectors.

See Post #13 above. They often leave them iding all night and/or plugged into an electric block heater. Omaha often reaches 20 degrees F. below zero. South Dakota has a record low of 58 degrees F. below zero. Tis is why Nebraskans regard South Dakota as a cold hole. Hand held heat guns are useful.