Is there a removable oil pan? Then you could drill it and install am
immersion heater into the oil. That will keep it toasty as the heat will
rise under the pistons. 

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
John Anderson
Sent: Friday, January 27, 2012 3:54 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Coolant bleeding and radiator hose heater question (NVC)

Dennis,
�
That is the whole rub, that is not possible unfortunately.� The block
doesn't have "freeze" (core casting) plugs.� It has one tapped boss for
drainaige/heater install and it is smack up against a 1/4" thick plate of
steel.� So I need to figure out something else.� I run synthetic Rotella
year round, and double up on a good antigel/cetane boost/sulfur replacement
in the winter to no avail under 10F.� It bleeds compression into the cooling
system cold (pressurizes a cold cooling system before starting, but probably
not warm as it doesn't lose coolant) and is down on #3 and needs rebuilt but
parts prices are ridiculous for this sucker frankly.
�
John
 

________________________________
 From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
To: 'John Anderson' <wvukidsdoc@YAHOO.COM>; vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Friday, January 27, 2012 11:17 AM
Subject: RE: Coolant bleeding and radiator hose heater question (NVC)
  
The best solution would be to install a block heater in one of the "freeze
out" plugs. This would put the heat right where it is needed. A synthetic
Diesel engine oil like the Mobil Delvac 1 or Rotella-T 5w-40 will also help
it get going. Make sure the fuel is treated to prevent it from gelling or
dilute it with some kerosene to keep it liquid. 

Dennis