Date:         Fri, 29 Sep 2000 23:58:30 -0500
Reply-To:     Roy Olynick <keepsake@PANGEA.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Roy Olynick <keepsake@PANGEA.CA>
Subject:      Fw:      re. heat in vw vans, block heater for WBX
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

> Also, as far as I know, there is no way to
> install a block heater, even in the Vanagon water-cooled models as
> there are no frost plugs. Block heaters are something you southern
> folks won't know anything about, but they are high wattage 120volt
> plug-in heaters which warm your engine blocks and are required if you
> want to be able to start your vehicle once it drops below -20 degrees
> ---------------------------------
>
> Yes, you can get block heaters for the WBX.  Both of my vans have them, 84
> and 87.  Its an external heating element plate which fits under the case,
> near the drain plug.  It heats the case and oil.

This isn't a true block heater...it's basically an oil pan heater. I believe
most drivers who live in the snow belt would refer to a block heater as one
which has a heating element that inserts into the engine block through a "frost
plug". The Vanagon block heater-wanna-be is virtually useless in unsheltered
locations where the cold winter wind blows under and around the vehicle...taking
any "block heater" heat with it. VW Vanagon engineers haven't a clue what real
winter is like.

Roy Olynick
'87 Westfalia GL
(till death do us part)