Lawrence Johnson wrote:
> 
> Patrick Larsen wrote:
> >
> > BBBRRRRRRR!!!! Woke up to an eye opening -12F (-55F wind chill) in Nebraska
> > today. Not surprisingly, although it was a first, the vanagon would not
> > start, not even with the help of a neighbors running truck.
> >
> > This cold snap is expected to last well into next week, so I am soliciting
> > advise from experienced cold-climate listees. What are some good strategies
> > for getting going on sub-zero mornings?
> 
> OPTIONS:
> 1) Install a block heater.
 

Hi: I don't know how common block heaters are in the States. The Tristar
I have came from Canada and it is equiped with a block heater that is a
3/4" thick plastic block with heating elements in it that fits under and
against the engine block. I could climb underneath to see if I can find
any markings or part numbers if I was coaxed. I bring this up because
this is the only one I have ever seen and assume it is a VW piece.  Todd
Francis