I have to admit that I spent a rough winter(93-94) in the hills of Western
Massachusetts and found that my 85 Westy (at the time) would not start when
morning temps were below zero F.  Since I thought my days were numbered in
Mass., I did not think to invest in an engine block heater.  But, my
inexpensive and innovative solution was to place an electric cube heater
under the oil pan for about 20 minutes, and, voila, the van would start,
even below zero F!  A bit safer than a campstove, I presume...  I do
recommend placing the heater on a rubber or other mat, so it is not sitting
in snow or water...

Let the flames ignite...

--
Melissa Mourkas
Haydenville, MA
81 Westy

----------
>From: Doran Nugent <doranosaurus@YAHOO.COM>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Another warm up strategy
>Date: Mon, Dec 27, 1999, 5:55 PM
>

> Tom,
>
> One more method: A friend of mine, winter camping in
> Minnesota, positioned a portable camp stove under the
> oil pan and ran it for a few minutes to help get the
> engine started. Don't try this at home, wouldn't
> something explode?