Date:         Fri, 28 Dec 2007 00:33:06 +0000
Reply-To:     Trvlr2001@COMCAST.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "John C..." <Trvlr2001@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Re: Followup to last month's "Thar I was"

-------------- Original message --------------
From: Michael Elliott <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>

> Last month I wrote about how difficult Mellow Yellow was to start after
> spending two days in gale-force rains while camping at elevation. I was
> concerned that all my futzing around with timing and other stuff trying
> to sort out my poor mileage might have made my engine stubborn about
> starting in cold or at elevation, or both.
>
> Well, this morning the engine started just fine despite having spent the
> night at the same elevation and in even colder weather. I can't say for
> sure why the engine didn't catch last month, but the theory that a
> couple days of horizontal rain blasting directly against the engine
> compartment air ventilation inlet on the driver's side and thus wetting
> the electrical bits on that side of the engine seems a likely cause for
> the problem.
>
> I was worried this morning when it came time to start 'er up, but other
> than a little more than usual hesitation for the first couple turns* she
> started just fine.
>
> ===========
> * Probably need thinner oil for below-freezing conditions. I'll see what
> the manual says. I expect that my January and February trips will be
> just as cold.
>
> NOTES:
>
> 1. The little Olympian 3100a catalytic heater is sufficient for camping
> where highs are in the low 50s (F) and lows in the low 20s. For me, at
> any rate. Mrs Squirrel is far too smart to venture out on these trips.
>
> 2. Catalytic heaters don't generate carbon monoxide though they do
> consume oxygen and create carbon dioxide. "Crack your window," is the
> advice given if you plan to run one of these things for long. But humans
> and other critters also burn O2 and make CO2. I wonder how a spouse
> compares with a little 1600/2800 btu heater in this regard? Any chemists
> in the audience?
Spouses' work pretty good fer keepin a feller warm
But all I can say about-cher heater...
 Is be careful when ya snuggle up to it !
 Yeeoowch !!!
>
> --
> Mike "Rocket J Squirrel" Elliott
> 71 Type 2: the Wonderbus
> 84 Westfalia: Mellow Yellow ("The Electrical Banana")
> 74 Utility Trailer. Ladybug Trailer, Inc., San Juan Capistrano
> KG6RCR