I don't know the 1.9's engine - is there a flat area on somewhere on the side or bottom of 2x4 inches?  Then this little number might work (even if it's not directly under the oil, warming the block will warm the oil): 
http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/automotive/interior-auto-accessories/winter-accessories/automotive-accessories/polar-pad-engine-heater-125w-0300004p.html?utm_campaign=bazaarvoice&utm_medium=SearchVoice&utm_source=RatingsAndReviews&utm_content=Default

Canadian Tire does mail order, or you might find the same in the US.

James
Ottawa, ON

> Date: Sat, 2 Jan 2016 05:59:37 -0800
> From: camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM
> Subject: Re: Dodged a bullet -- blowed the oil filter right off
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> 
> On 01/01/2016 11:03 PM, Mark Tuovinen wrote:
> 
> "If you are going to start your engine in cold
> temperatures use an engine heater, its better for your engine, your bank
> account, and the environment."
> 
> I'd love to use an engine heater, but prior posts to this list inquiring
> about heaters that work well with the 1.9 have not turned up a promising
> one. The ridged bottom of the block doesn't provide an effective surface
> for good heat transfer, the dipsticks are advised against, and Van
> Cafe's coolant heater thingy doesn't seem to me like it would do much to
> heat the oil in the block. Is there anything good?
> 
> It's 5 degrees F this morning, and while I'm fortunate I don't have
> anywhere I need to drive to today, tomorrow morning I have a radio show
> to put on and walking to the station when it's this cold doesn't appeal
> to me for some reason, possibly related to a decadent attachment to comfort.
> 
> Taxi ride, $8 each way.
> 
> So, walk, taxi, or start the van?
> 
> --
> Jack "Rocket j Squirrel" Elliott
> 1984 Westfalia, auto trans,
> Bend, Ore.