Todd Francis wrote:
> 
> 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 

I would have sworn that it was aluminum.

> 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. 

They are very common in Canada and yes I believe they are a VW part.

Larry