You better check the viscosity of oil you are using.

For cold temperatures, you may need to run very light viscosity (5W30, or
straight 10W), depending on the temp. CHECK YOUR OWNER'S MANUAL. (Don't
just guess).

The other option is to judiciously focus a parabolic or catalytic heater
under the engine for an hour or two prior to trying to start. By so doing,
you pre-warm the oil to the point where it is no longer solid.

G. Matthew Bulley
Bulley-Hewlett
Corporate Communications Counselors
www.bulley-hewlett.com
Cary, NC USA
888.468.4880 tollfree

"I, the undersigned, shall forfeit all rights, privileges, and licenses
herein and herein contained, et cetera, et cetera . . . fax mentis
incendium gloria culpum, et cetera, et cetera . . . memo bis punitor
delicatum!" It's all there, black and white, clear as crystal!      -Wonka

-----Original Message-----
From:   ~K~ [SMTP:maddie@INTERLOG.COM]
Sent:   Monday, January 17, 2000 3:20 PM
To:     vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject:        Re: colder than cold

Well..
It's really cold here in Toronto.
Poor old Vanagon didn't have the energy to start this morning...even with a
new battery and after a boost.
I brought the battery inside..but i was wondering if turning on the
aux.heater would do anything to help things inside warm up. Any suggestions
from other cold weather types?
I hope it's not a wait till spring thing....
sigh.