Way back when I lived in a real climate we used oilpan heater's that were
magnetic
Just slapped 'em on the pan, and plugged 'em in.  Didn't have to worry about
installing a block heater or anything complex.  I' assume they'd work for a
waterleaker too.

J.T.
82 Diesel (Manatee)

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
> 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
> >