[Vwdiesel] Oil question

[Sandy Cameron]

At 08:15 PM 10/26/05 -0400, you wrote:
>I have equipped all my diesels with a freeze plug electric block heater, 
>which takes up a huge amount of slack in the low temperature starting 
>activity. A few hours of block heater lets it kick over most of the Ohio 
>winter. Level two is to combine the block heater with a drop light snugged 
>up to a side of the battery, to keep the electrolyte warm. On the coldest 
>night, at ten below zero, I drape a blanket and tarp over the engine 
>compartment to help keep the heat from the electrical devices focused where 
>it will help.

Wow! I thought I lived in the sub-arctic!   

Those were the tactics used for arctic flying in the 1920's, # 80 single
grade oil. The oil would freeze solid if left outdoors. plumbers fire pots
and nose tents, Before Herman Nelson.

I use the block heater in winter, but not the other things. I find an hour
is enough to get a summer start, a couple of hours ensures the heater puts
out immediately.
Right now, (around the freezing point in all languages)  I use the block
heater  to get the first start of the day, after that, I'm ok, even fueling
with 50% WVO. Eventually I will have to go back to straight dino for serious
winter.

Sandy