Being in a new, cold location (North Dakota) for the upcoming winter I'll definitely need a block heater or some way to offset the harsh cold. I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions for any particular types of block heaters (something that even I could install!?) and any other helpful tips to deal with extreme cold and minimize effects on the car (1992 240 Wagon). Thanks in advance,

Jeff

I just remembered one thing; try to keep your fuel tank topped up. Leaving it with plenty of air inside will create condensation. For some reason others might explain, I find this a bigger problem when temps vary around the freezing point than when it's constantly "really, really cold".

Erling.
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I agree that a block heater will make life easier. If for no other reason than getting heat faster after morning start up. And I agree the freeze plug type block heaters are better than the in-line lower radiator hose type... If you're not comfortable with installing it yourself, surely about any shop in your area will be experienced in the installation process...

That said, if your car is in proper tune, and you go with the lighter oil, among other recommendations mentioned.. you really shouldn't need it. My '84 is not in the best of tune (gonna do something about that this year), and it's good to about 25 below. Being off grid, a block heater is absolutely out of the question for me.

On super cold nights, I pull my battery out at night and bring it in... big difference, albeit a pain...

Good luck, stay warm!

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-Matt I ♥ my ♂

Block heaters are easy to find and install if you feel the need for one. I get the -30 mornings and find running on 5-30 synthetic from November to March will ease cold starting considerably. Invest in a good battery.

I don't know what kind of block heaters are available in the US, so I'll focus on "other tips".

If the coolant hasn't been replaced recently, I'd flush the system and add new coolant. New engine oil suited for low temps isn't bad either. A block heater is definitely a must in my opinion, even better if you get a system that branches off to a dashboard timer, an interior heater and an electronic charger (like those you find here: www.defa.com). Check your battery and replace if necessary. Clean and oil the door locks and other moving parts in the door mechanism. Rub silicone oil on the door gaskets to prevent the doors freezing shut. Give the body a good waxing while weather still allows. If ND use roads salt, it will be particularly important to check the underbody and fix possible weak spots in the sealant.

In addition, there are certain items it are wise to keep in the car during winter. Not a lock de-icer, that belongs in your pocket and not locked inside your car. But a windshield scraper, a snow brush and a flashlight is never wrong. You might also need battery cables, a tow line, a small shovel and a sand bag. Proper winter tires on all four wheels are a must on icy and snowy roads. Studded or non-studded, bringing a pair of easy-chains could be sensible regardless.

Have a nice winter, and drive carefully!
Regards,
Erling, Norway.
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My 240 Page

My father used to keep a small butane torch in his coat for thawing iced locks. But that was Connecticut, a far cry from North Dakota. You might try reinstalling your intake thermostat and heater hose if you have previously removed it.

-Justin

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Good list. Make that a few sand bads. And make sure to have good quality, long jumper cables. (Sears has high bang for the buck when on sale). Good quality fuses (I like the copper bullets ipd carries/carried). A spare fuel pump relay wuldn't hurt either, but every 240 owner should have one anyway at all times.

Thanks to everyone for all the good tips. Regarding the block heaters, are there any recommendations for who to buy from? I wasn't able to find anything on some of the larger Volvo parts suppliers. Thanks again,

Jeff

Though I don't know that they'll be any better than those from a parts store, I did purchase one from the dealer within the last month for about $60.

I'd also recommend changing your wiper blades for the 'winter blade' type that have a rubber sheath over them so that you don't have to get icy bits out from between the arms, something like these - http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-47716-16-Inch-Winter-Wiper/dp/B000BZL17U/ref=au_pf_ss_1?ie=UTF8&n=15684181&s=automotive&carId=002

Thanks for the tips. So where exactly is the block heater actually inserted? I talked to a local shop today that mentioned a freeze plug(?) but can't find any other decent references to what is involved.

Jeff;
You might want to take a look at this link:
CLICK!
It's a pictorial on how to remove the freeze plugs and install a block heater. Admittedly, the vehicle in question is a tractor, but the basic procedure is more or less the same.

When you remove the freeze plug, take great care in not damaging the seat.

Best of luck,
Erling.
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Freeze plugs are the small, round circular indentations on the side of the engine. They are meant to pop and fail if the coolant in the engine freezes so that the block doesn't crack. Vaguely more info here - wikipedia.

Good luck -
Zach