My old man used to have an engine heater that plugged into regular 110 and
had a long skinny metal end that you put in place of the dipstick and it
heated the oil in the crank case.  I have no idea if they are still
available, but I think it used to make a big difference getting the cars
started in the morning.

Chad Morris
'89 Carat
Salt Lake City

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mark Tuovinen" <mst@AK.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2003 2:21 PM
Subject: engine block heaters?

> The closer your engine is to operating temp. when you start it the better.
Any vehicle that operates in areas where the temp goes below about 20F will
benefit, as will the atmosphere. The idea is that a warm engine circulates
lubricant better/faster, hence less wear at start up. I have yet to put one
no our van as I have not had time, but it will get one soon. I have not
checked yet, but my local shops tell me that the unit of choice is a pad
style. Basically a self adhesive heating pad that runs off 110 household
current. Anyone know of other options that will work? For those father north
than I, they often also use battery blankets, and pan heaters for their
automatic transmissions. Synthetic lubricants will help a great deal also.
>
> Mark in AK
>
>
> A while ago I saw someone mentioning the benefits of an engine block
> heater for the winter.  Any opinions on this?  How much do they cost?  And
> where can one get one?  I'm in chicago---is this something I should look
> into to extend the life of my van?
>
>
> Thanks,
> wes
>
> '84 vanagon 1.9l
>