Winter question

[david 1]

Any suggestions on how frequently I should start up the engine during the winter months when it's not used much? The engine battery isn't great so once started how long should I take it for a drive to recharge it a bit.
Also, any recommendations for a better battery for a Fiat Ducato?

Really grateful for your thoughts!

As an FYI the leads on a Noco Boost X 12V 1250A Jump Starter (GBX45) aren't long enough to reach both the positive charging point & the negative engine block point under the bonnet on the Ducato.
The next one up in the Noco range is: NOCO Boost X 12V 1750A Jump Starter (GBX55)

 

[pappajohn]

Booster leads.
Put the pos on the + jump point and the neg to ANY clean metal part of engine or gearbox .
It doesn't have to connect to the neg jump point

 

[pappajohn]

Engine battery.
go for a 10 mile drive every 2 weeks.
DONT just leave the engine idling, the engine will take forever to warm up and will cause excessive internal wear

 

[Lizbiebrowne]

If I start my engine I leave it running long enough so the exhaust get hot, ideally take for a spin. I don’t want any corrosive gases condensing and remaining in the exhaust system.

 

[Figaro]

Do you have a dpf ?

They seriously dislike being started and left to idle.
Either take it for a decent drive or leave it along until you can

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[Terry]

I remember reading it takes at least 20 mins drive to put back into the battery what you have taken out starting it ! How true that is I don’t know but we usually give it a good half hour run anyway.
Like PPJ says use your jump pack on poss and on any place for the earth lead

 

[david 1]

Thanks for the responses - really helpful.
Have to confess I had to google dpf & I think it does have it

 

[Figaro]

Without reaching operating temperature, which it won't do idling, the dpf clogs up and you get sensor errors which can mean main dealer workshop intervention and a hit on your credit card

 

[Lenny HB]

Modern diesels should be driven off immediately after starting, never leave them to idle from cold.

 

[DandJ]

I seriously doubt 10 miles is quite far enough to thoroughly warm thru a diesel engine in winter temperatures. I take ours for a 30 mile run every 3 or 4 weeks. (Ours is a Transit...so the last thing I want to do is upset the belt, injectors or any other delicate ford bits....)

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[PP Bear]

I treated myself to one of these. Very sceptical at first but thought I’ll give it a try and if it’s rubbish, it’ll be going back.

Well so far it’s been used on my car a few times and I fitted a new engine battery today, my neighbours car that wouldn’t start, not even on a slave from her boyfriends car, but this had it started at a flick of the key and on the motorhome. It’s small enough to sit on the engine with the clamps across the battery and it really spins the motors quite nicely.

Liked it so much, I kept it. Another handy tool in my arsenal of man’s stuff

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