I think I would stay at home to. Its not often that cold here but when it has been its certainly not weather I venture out in. I expect up your way its probably much colder more regularly? Thanks for watching
Evening Mike, just wanted to say that I am currently awaiting my wife going into labour with our second child and this video has been an excellent distraction from the nerves! Keep doing what you’re doing.
Yeah absolutely, I slacked off the winch but still you never know if the roots are going to pull once the weight is taken off. Seen that happen a few times back in the UK. Thanks for watching!
The M90 Dutch army sleeping bag is top . The cortex cover is definitely good for keeping the body heat inside the sleeping bag and yes the moisture out
You’re evolving into a really great presenter Mike. The humor always lands great too. I’m called back to my American childhood watching Man Vs Wild and Bear Grylls and never understanding how over dramatized it was 😂😢 This is a million times better.
Well that's very kind of you! I try not to over do the talking in these videos ( which is nice for me actually ). I think most of the videography shows what's happening and the voice overs just connect the dots where needed. It feels like a healthy formula, especially for me because I can just do my thing and enjoy the experience. Appreciate the comment and thanks for watching.
Consider..if you have to remove your diesel, welding a 'bung/access port w/ball valve' at the lowest corner, obviously not real easy and youd have to make a protective cage for it, but then you could release the water accumulated in the tank...then throw in some 'power service 'additive, change your fuel filt. And you'd be good to go...it actually works good
Unfortunately the tank is plastic. I thought of it myself, perhaps a wine cork? Joking. I'm thinking of building my own stainless tank and if that happens a weld in tank drain is absolutely happening. Thanks for the tips and for watching
Ironically people always want to wear jackets and clothes in a sleeping bag but that only restricts how the heat radiates around the bag. You are better off adding a bag liner or layers outside the bag and wearing light thermals inside. Adding hand warmers or hot water tight containers or hot rocks inside the bag help enormously. As for the batteries, that’s always the challenge. Small batteries can fit in a small crush cooler and hand warmers can keep ‘em warm. For the bigger ones it’s down to the challenge of wrapping and heating. I love the cold but it does remind you how fast things can go to hell. Good video mike always a pleasure to watch.
Great tips. That's certainly a common misconception on sleeping bags. I'm in my boxers and a t shirt in mine but it's rated pretty low so I'm worried about over heating. The challenges are great fun and the environment is beautiful, but like you say things can go wrong very quickly especially if you rely heavily on luxury items. Thanks for watching
Great video again Mike When you knocking wood i would have thought woodpecker bird replied😮😂. When you making a hole the ice sound of Ocean was amazing by you was amazing. Whole video is fantastic Thanks again and take care.🙏🏽🥰
If you can find a product called Diesel 100, get it. I used it in winter when living in Lapland. White bottle with a red label. Quite cheap too, maybe 60SEK or so, unless price is bumped up there as it's a Finnish product. Helps with water build up in diesel and also aids in cold starts. One bottle treats 100l of diesel.
Years ago I worked with a guy who was a wildlife photographer that did lots of work in the arctic. He had a thing that was like a suitcase that had a little drawer in it that you could burn charcoal in, this kept the rest of the box, which was large, really hot. The charcoal bit was completely separate to the hotbox bit. I've got a feeling it was some military food warmer. Anyway he used it to manage his battery temps when he was filming, it kept hot all week and I'm pretty sure he only used one normal sized bag of charcoal.
Thats really interesting! Sounds like something I could do with. I will have to look into more methods and try and find something. This sounds like a clever method
I really appreciate the cold starting ability of my old Toyota truck. As it is a gas engine it might be a little slow at - 20 F and below but it starts. The fuel injection works better for me. I remember an early morning drive at -50 in GM vehicle back in the carb days. The outside of the carb was icing. I had isopropel in the tank but it didn't help outside and the linkage. One wise guy told me later that I could thaw it by urinating on it. It might work but standing on top of an suv engine compartment at -50 to urinate on the carb was not for me. Parked out of the wind held the throttle open and everything thawed enought to get home. After that the radiator recieved a cardboard wind block.
Diesel tanks can get water in from condensation keeping the tank full can reduce it but it is a constant issue should have a water trap in the system somewhere so you can drain it out. dont know if jeeps have a fuel tank tank drain but you can sometimes crack them open if it has one and drain the water out. good you had your buddy with you to keep you warm and the discovery to rescue you. Sat here in the uk at around about -2 thinking that looks jolly cold there but i do love the snow. a walk around of that disco would be nice have a D2 TD5 we are slowly turning into adventure truck
I have a drain on the filter but not the plastic fuel tank unfortunately. I've considered building a metal one with a low point drain. My water issue was my own dumb fault. I extended a breather to the roof that took on water in a rain channel every time I jet washed the jeep. Sorted now but its got me thinking much like you have suggested. I will get ivo to do a video with me on his Disco. He's currently building gullwing windows on it so I think he will want those finished first. Thanks for watching
Well this was real.You were well prepared even with the problems and being together made it actually work both needing each other. Lesson learnt. Excellent content. Thanks
Great video Mike. Happy you were not out alone in these harsh conditions! We can plan for a lot. But not every scenario. Like water in your diesel! I typically ground tent/sleep inside jeep down to about-15 /-18 c. With my -20 sleeping bag. Colder than that I ditch the gear and use the fire. Slept in a lean too shelter just big enough for me to sleep in. On spruce bows next to a 6ft long fire down to -28. When I say sleep….Well 40 min at a time between adding more logs to the fire lol. But yeah past -20 it’s no joke. Everything breaks. Water has to be kept next to the fire. Have to be super careful when getting fire wood not to get sweaty. My Jeep is the 4.0. So it’s easier to start in extreme cold. Still doesn’t like it however. But getting a few logs on the ground. Then putting some coals from the fire on a baking sheet under the oil pan sure helps warm the oil up before trying to start it. Like you say Mike. The cold 🥶 makes you go back to basics. Axe. Wood. Fire. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦
The water in the fuel was a bit of a shame, my fault now I've found the source. An extended tank breather that was taking in water when jet washing. Anyway sorted for next time. Long log fires are extremely useful, like you say though it's in an in out sleep experience for sure, but it kind of needs to be. I remember waking up on one occasion and it being completely out. The 4.0 is much better in such conditions. I have an old renix and it starts so much better than this tractor lol. I need to figure out a good method for warming my engine up. All the best ones seem to cost the earth. Thanks for watching
I had a problem with diesel from the truck pumps in Sweden which resulted in the car being recovered back to the UK (strangely nobody in Sweden could fix a Mondeo!!!). It turned out to be an algal growth jn ghe diesel known colloquially as "the bug" which is caused by moisture in the tank. Since then I only use the car pumps when in Sweden as I believe thd turnover of fuel is quicker. Hope this helps.
I think it's one or more broken piston skirts ;). Will do an in-frame rebuild in summer. Not tea bag prices from the electronic bay. Worst I think will be the friction fit rod piston pins.
Wow beautiful spot mate and great video as usual, they have a new model mamba with better battery life now mate you may need to upgrade to the newer version for the long nights😂😂 atb mate from sunny Sunderland
Hey Mike, I haven't commented in a while, but I always enjoy your videos. Watching you drilling a line of holes as you get further and further from shore was like watching a cartoon of someone sawing the branch they're sitting on 😂!
I have a jeep Cherokee , well 2 of them 93 and 95 with 318. Abit fuel hungry but it works, sure like how you set up the back of yours. Hum....you got me thinking. Like your channel, the best from BC Canada.
Couple of quick tips Mike, and not the Jimmy Savile type 😄. Put a wool blanket over your pad and under your sleeping bag. The insulation and heat retention are great. Another good one is to cover your electronics with a mylar/emergency blanket. It'll really help them function in extreme cold situations. Anyhow, another great video and really enjoyed it!
Brilliant Mike, the drone clips where really professional. Its a harsh unforgiving environment at minus 24 C. Looks like Old tech will win out over new tech in those conditions. If you buy a chainsaw don't buy a battery one ! : ) It's possible to get water in the fuel if you leave the tank low as condensation will form inside the tank over time. Maybe this was the cause. ATB Sandy
Thanks Sandy, it's certainly very cold, on the edge for me as this is probably the lowest I like camping in. Old tech is always on top as we both know, the foundation skills. Its my own stupid fault with the water in the diesel. I extend a fuel tank breather up to the roof and it was sat in a water channel. Every time I washed the jeep I was filling the tank.... Thanks for watching
Mike, I've been watching your videos for years. Nice job on the Jeep. I'm very jealous.lol.. As a Northern Canadian if you are going to camp at temps colder than -15c a hot tent is the only way to be civilized. It gives you a dependable place to warm and dry up.
Hot tents are definitely comfortable although I am more of an outside kind of camper despite the temps. I do have a side room for the jeep with can be heated but I found myself sitting in and not actually being outside so I don't bother anymore. I will try it next time! The jeeps been a labour of love for almost 10 years, crazy, definitely crazy 🤪 thanks for watching
I'm glad we were together on this one. Some unfortunate mechanical issues but the first camp of winter and a reminder to get things sorted for the next one. Thanks for watching
Smart set up ! ... I've a Diesel XJ ( and a Voyager too) and i'm very impressed about your Jeep ... Every time before working on mine i check your videos
Mike, looks like the fruits of your earlier labor paid off for this trip--at least concerning the drivetrain. Hopefully draining your fuel tank will solve the other issue you encountered, though I am sure it is not a job you are looking forward to. There always seems to be more to do when operating our equipment in extreme conditions. Your end comments about the dangers of traveling alone in such circumstances were spot on. Good thing there were two of you to help one another out. Best of luck getting the rig back in shape for another outing. Finding the source of so much water in the fuel might be prudent so there isn't a repeat of this issue. Regarding saws, the Silky Katana Boy would be a good choice for the truck. The 500 is a bit more affordable--I have the 650 and it is a beast. It is the fastest saw for cutting through logs after a chainsaw. Either would have made quick work of the trees you encountered and much less work than the axe. Looking forward to your next adventure!
I siphoned off almost 2.5 litres of water from the fuel tank. Quite a considerable amount and fortunately no damage to the engine. Its an old marine diesel so its probably use to it 😅 it wasn't a fun job though as you can imagine. Very lucky to have company on this one and nice to know you can call someone if things go south. I ended up buying a Silky Zoobat Ultimate 330. I've always loved those, not big saws but a joy to use. I dont think I can get a chainsaw, my old roots won't let me. If anything I should be carrying less. The 3 link and axle seem to be running nice, I'm really happy with it all. My next job is a stretched chain in the np231. It's growling loudly. You can hear it actually in some of the shots at the start. Thanks for watching and for the comment
I'm trying to think what in this video could prompt such a thought. Water in fuel isnt isolated to XJ Cherokees and the Land Rover in this had far bigger problems, but sure happy for you. Thanks for watching.
sorry Mike yes that's a pretty useless comment... just wanted to express my disappointment with that VM engine. for the rest, congratulations... your Jeep is beautiful
@@sbandament1 I understand not everyone has good experiences wity this engine. Personally from experience and my own work I love it and it does me very well out here. Apart from water in the fuel which was my own fault from an extended fuek tank breather which was taking on water from washing the jeep. Live and learn, sorted now, thanks for watching
Mike love your video while here in West Australia we’re having up to 40c, interesting when you dropped tyre pressures you could here the engine relax and just cruise. I think you just proved that Jeeps are supposed to be dirty and only washed for special occasions🍻
Woot! I watched this video while relaxing in a hot bath- Hope that’s not too much info, but it is so fun to see your adventures! I can’t wait to get out there in my XJ! I pick it up next week with a brand new 4.0 installed. Quick question- Do petrol engines also need engine heaters in the cold, or just Diesel motors?
Yes you generally want block heaters and stuff to heat up the oil of petrol cars so the engine gets sufficient oil pressure, it's one of the things that wear out engines the worst.
Great video guys! I have question though with an issue rarely addressed in any overlanding videos outhere, what’s the toilet situation like? I would think it’s a nuisance in normal temp and can’t even fathom putting a log out in -20°C
Its surprisingly easier to drop the bomb in the winter than the summer. The flies in the summer are relentless and it's quite challenging. I have a small folding toilet chair. Its cold to sit on though unless you have it near the fire until you use it. These temperatures are quite harsh though. I remember taking a leak in -37c. It's complicated. Thanks for watching!
@@WorkshoptoWilderness I've got a little torn cartilage in my knee and an occasional bad back, squatting in the woods is already a moderately risky move in the best of times, let alone trying to avoid thicker pants, long underwear, and trying to make sure a sweater or coat doesn't hang down, all while trying to not fall backwards 🤣🤣🤣
Would it be worth adding a diesel fueled block heater? That would get the engine up to starting temp nicely, and not require depletion of the battery bank.
Yeah more money to plough into the build, it's never ending. I'm doing the same thing with a boat at the moment. Never stops. You are a resourceful chap, I'm sure you could macgyver something out of bits and pieces that you find littered around the workshop. 😉
Hi Get a diesel battery driven pre heater for the fuel line and/ or the filter. That can help a bit with bad fuel quality and filter clogging in cold temps. Looks like you are using Volvo truck filter pre-filter. There should be one for the US market that is 12V. If you do not find it check for a UK company Racor if volvo does not have one. Always keep new filters to a diesel. I do not know how your fuel system is built. Some trucks return warm fuel heated by the engine to the tank to heat the tank fuel so slightly. You need higher fuel flow for that.
Appreciate that information 🙏 I winter camp a lot and engine preservation is l important. The diesel filter has a warmer in it and warm diesel is returned to the tank. I think a second filter would be ideal along with a engine diesel heater for the block and cabin. Expensive but saves be pulling the engine and dropping the spare in. Thanks for watching
@@WorkshoptoWilderness I can really recommend a diesel water/cabin heater for a diesel engine. A diesel engine needs it if you are in really cold wether. I even have a petroleum heater on my petrol car today mainly to when I am up in the northern parts.The tricky part is always battery capacity that can handle the cold temperatures. I grew up close to the Arctic circle and have been working with truck fuel system earlier in my career. It is really important to have good batteries in cold temps and a healthy engine. I spent a lot more money on quality batteries when I lived up in the north. Down here I can use them 3-4 time as long. It is much more forgiving down in the “south” if you have bad batteries. Secure that you have over capacity on the batteries and that they can perform and give you what you need in cold temps. Secure that your generator can top them up in reasonable tips. Charge them to the top before you go out. Remember to start your diesel heater even in the summer and have it running for 15-20 min every month/2 months, that reduces the risk that your heater clogs up and will not start later when you really need it. More or less every brand have that issue! Do you have a diesel/ air heater for your tent today? Have you thought about using a petrol heater for the tent? I just have a feeling that they are more reliable in really cold temps. Perhaps some one out there have more information about that. One thing have yo thought about building an insulated box where you can heat your camera batteries and perhaps an aux battery for the car to get that extra juice when you need it. Check around if someone have build something like that and if it is worth doing. Water is a nightmare but so is also bad diesel quality. If I remember correct, the diesel in Sweden have been different compared to down in the continent during winter. This due to gel point on different diesel quality. Probably someone out there that is more updated on that than me. The return flow must be quite hi to heat the tank since the tank will work as a cooler for the fuel. I really enjoy your videos, keep them coming.
and there I was thinking that your Jeep was going to be towing the Landie out of the forest, how wrong can you be! Any idea how the water got into the fuel? Great video, made me feel cold just watching it, those low temperatures just aren't compatible with human life or modern electronics. I'm really glad to have discovered your new channel as I'm still missing McQ bushcraft. Thanks for making these videos. Watch out for Bigfoot!
I almost thought the same thing but fortunate we were both there. Hes got a new battery now and i've drained almost 2.5 litres of water from the tank lol. It was my fault, I extended the fuel tank breather hose up to a gap in the roof that water was collecting in when washing the Jeep. I was tanking up with water on every wash lol. Its sorted now so hopefully it will stay that way. Thanks for tuning in and watching!
For me it can't get any better, well it could to be fair if my family were with me, but winter is a bit harsh for them. Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it!
@@WorkshoptoWildernessgame changer lol I’ve done a ton of snow wheeling prior to tracks. 37’s 40’s be left behind on these. I just did a rescue on my channel pulling two rigs. One has 37’s and chains on. Where ya located?
The darkness is very strange. I don't seem to suffer from depression from it but I do take vitamins every day especially D. Perhaps that helps. Its soon to be darker still...
I'd rather drive THIS than the overpriced Bronco. Looks nice too. The boxy Cherokees are VERY reliable with the 4.0 6 cylinder. I love your rear tip-up windows. It irks me that Jeep never installed one on the rear tailgate because it was not easy to close it. I always had to put my weight on it. I guess the problem was I don't weight much for a 30-something male so I'd hang off the tailgate to pull it DOWN, then lean on it the rest of the way!
Forgot to add, the 6 cylinder put out 190 hp. It never ever had trouble getting me out of the snow so you do not need a gas hog V8 Grand Cherokee for this.
A flip up window on the rear tailgate would have me been fantastic. I have 4.0 at home, just restoring it at the moment, slow progress. This one is a diesel, its an old engine design but pretty simple. The newer vehicles just don't have the same charm, also difficult to work on as they aren't very mechanical anymore. Thanks for watching
Im not very familiar with diesel but ive heard that there is usually always water at fuel station pump tanks from condensation but its usually not a problem because it seperates to the bottem. But with that said if they are having there takes filled with new diesel it can mix it all together temporarily so if your filling up during that you can pump water into your tank. I hope that all makes sense.
Makes sense totally. There are some pretty small unmanned stations up north, I might have gotten unlucky. Although I did find the main source of water entry. An extended tank breather to the roof. Water was running down it when I washed the jeep. I'm a dumb ass but at least it's fixed. Thanks for watching
@@WorkshoptoWilderness not dumb at all! Easy mistake to make. Been watching since you did all the rust repair and frame stiffeners years back and you're actually the reason I like xjs (though I do love my tj and mj more lol) thanks for the reply though! Feels like having a famous person talk to you haha
@@SyllabicBody5 Well I appreciate you watching for so long! Haha yeah TJs are stunning though, nothing comes close to these old designs these days and if they did they would cost the earth because they cant help overcomplicating them!
Its a much nicer drive on the 3 link. Also the axle work has helped a great deal. I'm very happy with hows its performing. In all honesty I will rarely need such suspension travel but the other aspects of the build are beneficial. Thanks for watching
The rod I use is a really cheap one from a local store. I think they are 3 Euros or something. I don't really take Ice fishing too seriously as its more of a substitute for fishing for me but it is a good way of getting some food while out. Thanks for watching and for the comment!
I drained the filter, but there were about 2.5 litres in the fuel tank, and the diesel was contaminated. I had to drop the tank and drain it all before it would run again.
You know me and Ivo often talk about these things when we're out and a tent and stove isnt making the trip better, just worse. I've always loved spending every minute of my time outdoors, outdoors. Not in a tent with a stove. I can dress for cold and enjoy the warmth or a fire while looking at the starts, then return to a tent when I sleep. Its the same when I backpack, just want to be outside for a long as possible. Thanks for watching
I'm fairly sure that a decent amount or some of your stuff is custom on your jeep, but do you have any kind of list of the parts you added onto it that were from market? I saw your amazon page, but most of what was on there specific camping out supplies/gear, mostly not listing stuff for the XJ.* I'm planning to buy an XJ soon and mod it out a little bit. I like your build a lot, and I was mostly wondering on what hood vents, snorkel, and tire carrier you use/recommend. Also the side armoring looks custom(?) but if it's not I'd love to know what the blacked out armor parts by your rear wheel and lower half of your XJ are. Thanks!
Most of these parts you mentioned I fabricated. I have build videos on the channel if your interested. I had to make them because I live in Europe and its too expensive to get parts shipped over from the USA. The rear bumper was a recent build - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ax5qxRGw_o8.html Rear panel armour fender - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-yRtXLB5m6Ps.html Front armor panel fender - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-4eOy5Vo47Pg.html Armour below doors - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-2olDLbCqpqY.html Snorkel - www.totem4x4.es/tienda-online/snorkel/jeep_53d92ad63af7c/snorkel-adaptable-a-jeep-xj-2-5-comprar.html Hood Vents - shorturl.at/fhqVY Some of the links above wont be useful because its just videos diy builds. If you want armour thats similar you can buy it. I found these on ebay - Just rear - www.ebay.com/itm/174705743972 Full set, looks nice, similar design - dirtboundoffroad.com/en-fr/products/steel-fender-flares-full-set-jeep-cherokee-xj Check out there website, they sell pretty smart stuff for a good price considering the market. Let me know if you want any more links and stuff and thanks for watching.
Well it's face value with what you can see, not what's under my clothes. I was toasty and I'm out in these temps a lot so it works for me. I cant speak for my friend, his first winter doing this so I'm sure in time he will get some better clothes. Thanks for watching
@@Ivo.Outdoor prolly it wasn't windy at all, and this helped. We often have winds from 10 m/s and more at -15 -20, and if I write something you did, I would get frozen in an hour. We use special winter fishing costumes, very thick and insulated, waterproof membranes etc. Very often they are floatable.
Ice fishing is pretty static in my experience which is why I overdress when I'm just going out to ice fish. If I fished on an open lake in -20 in windy weather with the same clothes I have in this video I would only be able to last two hours max before packing up. Its very different to being dug in out of the wind by a fire. Anyway happy fishing.
Thanks for watching. It's a Jeep cherokee xj but a Europe export model in RHD with the 2.5 vm marine diesel engine. The engine isn't very popular due to the original heads being prone to cracking, I've modified mine with a better head, manifolds, turbo, pump and many other things so it's around the 150hp mark with 320np plus torque. I've spend the best part of ten years building the jeep and most of the big jobs are on this channel. Thanks again!
