The people who live where it's really cold sneer at them, though -- first
of all they're only 250 watts instead of a kilowatt or so, and second they
have very poor thermal coupling to  the case as they are a simple flat
plate without even corrugations to fit in between the fins of the case.

I'm sure they're useful in marginal conditions -- sure hope so, I have one.

david

At 00:09 9/30/2000, Gary wrote:

>Yes, you can get block heaters for the WBX.  Both of my vans have them, 84
>and 87.  Its an external heating element plate which fits under the case,
>near the drain plug.  It heats the case and oil.  Its a VW Canada only item
>I think.
>If anybody needs one and can't get one, I have a few heaters from  late
>model jettas which are similiar.  You would need to make brackets to hold it
>in place.
>
>I park in an unheated garage and have never had to use the block heater
>though.
>
>Gary Lee
>Calgary, Alberta, Canada

David Beierl - Providence, RI
  http://pws.prserv.net/synergy/Vanagon/
'84 Westy "Dutiful Passage"
'85 GL "Poor Relation"