This morning I laid in bed underneath added layer of 20 degree down bag, which with the cat heater running on high, was too warm. I had put the windshield curtain and the driver’s window cover to block out heat escaping or cold coming in blocked the sunrise. I did get up and dressed quickly as it was only 43 degrees inside against the 14 degrees outside. Next concern was will the van start in this cold? I waited till almost 10AM to find out. Battery was strong enough to heat the glow plugs then turn over the engine. I let it run for awhile. Sun warmth melted then evaporated what should have been ice build up on the inside of the windshield. I stooped low to view the propane fuel gauge: refill needed to last another night. Two of the leveling blocks I used to level the van remained frozen to the ground. I drove into town stopping for propane refill then to bike shop where I parked on the driest piece of pavement with the rear end pointing to the sun. My clean bike was waiting for me and is now back on the van.
I waited awhile before turning on the furnace hoping the pipe would have melted free. Furnace threw a 1 flash code indicating fuel blockage when I energized it, not the 4 from yesterday. The furnace would light and run for several seconds then shut off. I listened to its discomfort which sounded like it was gargling. I slipped my ensolite pad underneath the rear of the van then slithered underneath. I used the flat screwdriver bit on my Leatherman to loosen the hose clamp holding the intake hose, then slipped off the hose, and shook it. Hmm… no water dumped out. I suspected the wind would blow snow into the furnace intake. Next I loosened and removed the exhaust pipe and water did dump out. The wind was strong enough to force rain and snow against the exhaust. Reinstalled and started the furnace. Viola: furnace is running again. The furnace needs electric to run the fan which blows the heated air out of the furnace. The cat heater uses no electric and seems to produce greater heat albeit not thermostatically controlled, battery strength was strong as a result. Tonight forecast temp is 2 degrees and calm. I will prolly run the cat for extra warmth. Never tried running both at same time.
Made an oil change appointment at shop who has done my van work in Junction, former owner sold so I will meet new people. Guy was asking about whether my service was A or B per Mercedes which I have never heard of, each required lots of service. Took a while to pin him to just a filter and oil change at 7,500 miles. He said Mercedes is saying 20,000 miles on oil.
Omission beer is Gluten free I learned today.
Temp for Sat is 62 degrees. Can return long underwear and heavy wool sweater to their storage.