Date:         Mon, 3 Jan 2000 00:53:09 -0600
Reply-To:     Marshall Ruskin <mruskin@PANGEA.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Marshall Ruskin <mruskin@PANGEA.CA>
Subject:      Real Block heater for Frost-plug-Challenged Westies!
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Hi Volks:

Today, I was at the Sunday hangout of the Canadian Cartel, (Canadian Tire)
and found 2 different models of EXTERNAL coolant heaters. Didn't know these
animals existed. One was made by Phillips-Temro, the other by an unknown
outfit.

Here's the idea:

1.    One model (Phillips) is 1000W, the other one is 1500W - lots of
heating power;
2.    They connect between the engine drain plug and the heater hose, or
3.    They connect between the lower rad hose and heater hose;
4.    Important for the unit to be installed very low - lower than the drain
plug if possible; (puts fluid pressure on the inlet side of unit)
5. The cold coolant flows into the heater, and as it warms it rises, causing
a circulating action
6.    Both units are thermostatically controlled;
7.    Both units cost $69.00 CDN, if memory is correct.

Now, I almost bought one, untill I started worrying about the install.

To install it using the drain plug means cutting a hole in the push-rod
guard - to get access to the drain plug.

Then - how long a hose would I need to reach the heater hose?

Or - would it be easier to install it at the front, using the lower rad hose
and connecting to the heater hose from there? (my guess)

Are there any good places to mount it near there? (It's about the size of a
Big Mac, except square)

Any suggestions etc would be appreciated.

Marshall Ruskin
84 Westy "Iron Igloo"
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Founding Member of "Vanagon's Anonymous"