Do I need winter protection?

shaggyislandboy · **Posted:** Fri Jun 22, 2012 7:26 pm

Hey guys!
I have just moved to Morganton, Georgia. Super excited to be here. Love North Georgia and the outdoor opportunities.
My question, do I need to be concerned with winterizing my Jeep (besides making sure my antifreeze is up to par)...? Like a engine block heater? I've never spent a winter in a climate that gets very cold so I'm ignorant to such things. My Liberty (2006 CRD) will be sitting outside (no garage or carport).

Thanks for the help!
Scott

user113 · **Posted:** Fri Jun 22, 2012 7:31 pm

I live in northern Virginia, my Jeep was originally from Pennsylvania, and the block heater cord is still tucked up in the factory tape. I have no garage either. I do winterize my fuel (anti-gel), but only when it is below 20 degrees, and then, just in case there is a cold snap. In Georgia you will likely never need a block heater or anti-gel additive.

I do plug my '91 350SDL in occasionally, but that's mostly so the heat starts up sooner.

user113 · **Posted:** Fri Jun 22, 2012 7:44 pm

Actually, our climates are closer than I had initially imagined:

http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimat ... h/USGA0389

http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimat ... h/USVA0791

So you might want to keep a bottle of Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement ( http://www.powerservice.com/dfs/ ) for when it gets really cold. I keep the measured amount for a full tank in an old MSR fuel bottle ( http://cascadedesigns.com/msr/stoves/st ... es/product ) in the back of the Jeep. I pour it in just before filling the tank when it gets cold. I don't know if it is really needed, but it makes me sleep better at night.

shaggyislandboy · **Posted:** Fri Jun 22, 2012 7:47 pm

user113 wrote:

I live in northern Virginia, my Jeep was originally from Pennsylvania, and the block heater cord is still tucked up in the factory tape. I have no garage either. I do winterize my fuel (anti-gel), but only when it is below 20 degrees, and then, just in case there is a cold snap. In Georgia you will likely never need a block heater or anti-gel additive.

I do plug my '91 350SDL in occasionally, but that's mostly so the heat starts up sooner.

Big thanks 113!!!

Allen M. · **Posted:** Sat Jun 23, 2012 1:39 am

You need to pay attention to the fuel, either #1 or #2. If the stations/suppliers switch to #1 when it gets cold you should be ok. Here in Montana, I change the fuel filter before it gets cold and AFTER I run a full can (16 oz) of the Power Service 911 (Red Can) in the tank. If the temps are going to be below 20°F, I will run the appropriate amount of the Power Service Winter (white can) each tank. If the temps are varable between 20°F and 40°F I will run the PS every other tank. The only time I have had a problem was a very early cold snap before they switched over to #1 and I was traveling alot and the jeep sat in the unheated garage weeks on end with no driving. Saying that, I run in Temps -20°F and below with no problem. Let the GP do their thing, don't just wait for the light, wait 20+ secs. Let the engine idle 30 secs before driving off slowly and keep the revs down, you'll have no problem. Also, below about 40°F I use the FIA winter cover.

papaindigo · **Posted:** Sat Jun 23, 2012 9:10 am

I've run diesels in the dead of winter in N. Alabama with no fuel issues and no additives without using the block heater when I lacked access to power. All with no problem.

Make sure you use the proper amount (50/50 is fine) of antifreeze and be extra sure to only use HOAT antifreeze (Mopar, Zerex G-05, or the Ford equivalent). The FSM and owner's manual botched the litres to gallons conversion so FYI a 50/50 mix requires ca. 1.6 gallons of straight antifreeze. That actually gives you a bit more antifreeze in the system than you need (e.g. probably closer to 55/45) as it's not possible to completely drain the system so some old antifreeze/water mix remains unless you do a clean water coolant system flush.

If you have never used your block heater take a look at you oil dipstick tube and you will probably find the block heater wire curled up and zip tied to the tube from the factory. If so when you uncoil it check the insulation for cracks and replace if need be. The part is or was under $30 at a dealer and is a DIY replacement without droping front skid although it's handy to have 2 people (1 feeding wire from up top and the other removing/attaching wire on bottom). I like to plug in if ambient is below 25F not because it's needed but because you get cabin heat quicker. Some put the block heater on a timer so it comes on about 2-3 hours before you leave in the am.

audiboy86 · **Posted:** Sat Jun 23, 2012 10:36 am

I live in South Carolina mountains and even when it gets to the lower teens I just use the block heater set on a timer. The cord should be tucked in on the drivers side of your motor near the center of the block. No real need for all the additives just don't fill up with bio during the winter. :lol:

ChooChooman74 · **Posted:** Sat Jun 23, 2012 11:04 am

I would just use whatever additive you currently use, as long as it has anti gel, and water dispersant in it. And make sure your glow plugs are up to par.

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Drewd · **Joined:** Mon Feb 06, 2006 12:24 pm **Posts:** 902

When my CRD was newer, it started at -20 deg F without any issues or blockheater. It now takes a little longer at cold temps because I have a chronic issue with my number 3 glow plug. It, for some reason, seems to fail more often than my other plugs I now run power to the block heater when overnight temps are epected to be lower than 10 deg F.

Joe Romas · **Posted:** Sun Jun 24, 2012 7:44 am

All 05 and 06 North American CRD's came with block heaters :JEEPIN:

user113 · **Posted:** Mon Jun 25, 2012 1:16 am

This is such a cool forum, I love all these differing words of wisdom.

audiboy86 · **Posted:** Mon Jun 25, 2012 7:17 pm

To look at the diesel verse gas if you like to see difference in opinion.

Do I need winter protection?

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