Unfortunately, one cannot use a block heater on an 84 or 83.5 - no frost
plugs in the block.

Best thing for us is an electric battery blanket, and that ridiculous oil
pan heater.

Marshall Ruskin
84 Westy

>Hi Scott,
>
>Back in MT, I used 5W-30 in the winter (you know, when the temps never get
>above 0 or the high is -32F) and most important--a block heater! That block
>heater worked great! If you think the lighter weight oil makes a
>difference--heck it doesn't compare to the block heater! We plugged it in
at
>home and at work. When the temperature started dropping below 10 deg. F, We
>always plugged the 85 in. If I didn't, she would howl and cry. My advise to
>you is to get a good block heater! My block heater got real hot. Ask me how
>I know <grin> Also, one night when my wife plugged it in, she did not look
>at where the cord went when she plugged it in. Yep, you guessed it, melted
>the extension cord. If you use an extension cord, get one that is flexable
>when cold--it helps. Also plug it into a GFI as that is what tripped when
>the cord melted. Interstate's CCAs also helped! Interstate makes two
>batteries that fit the vanagon. A vented and non-vented series. I use the
>vented series which is rated at, I believe, around 860 CCAs. Cheaper
>batteries, IMHO, don't hold up under extreme winter conditions--at least
not
>for long and not at -30F and colder. Please, no flames.
>
>When I sold my 85, I took my Interstate battery out and put in a no name
>brand that came with my 82 Westy when I bought it. The generic one out of
>the Westy did not fit in the battery location and my Interstate does. I
>forgot to grab the block heater off the 85 when I sold it. I hope the new
>owner is enjoying it.
>
>Bill  V.                 "I'd Rather Be Hiking The
>'82 CA Westy [FreeBird]       Greater Yellowstone"
>"Famous Potatoes"
>
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> Subject: A Final Question about Oil...
>>
>>
>> Hello Kind Folks,
>>
>>     I have read many messages on list about winter weight oil.  I saw
very
>> little mention of the newish 0W-30 synthetics.  I am interested in trying
>> this oil because of the severe cold we've been experiencing early here in
>> Anchorage.  I've got 10W-30 in there now and my poor battery and
>> starter just
>> can seem to spin it fast enough.  I'm also looking into a better battery,
>> block heater, etc...   Thanks in advance.
>>
>> Awaiting the Wisdom of the List
>>
>> Scott De Santi
>> 86 Vanagon 2WD (Wobbly Bus)
>> Anchorage, Alaska
>>
>