[Vwdiesel] head gasket replacement

[Sandy Cameron]

The last few I've done, I just used 3 notch gaskets, reasoning that slightly
lower compression is better for the engine.

Cold starting does not seem to be a problem, and if the  (golbal warming?)
temps drop significantly, I will use other means to start.
Small generator in the trunk, with block heater, etc.

I'm even finding this winter that I can get away with 50% canola if I warm
it a bit with the block heater for the first start of the day.

I run my 350 watt block heater at 150 watts over night, (to save power) and
get summer-like starts, first compression stroke.

Nice thing about a block heater, is it heats mainly the head and injectors,
where it counts, so it doesn't need much for quick starts. 
Not Alaska temps, but above 0*f most of the time.

And, perhaps prevents head squirm due to wide range temp cycles, lengthening
the life of the head gasket.

Who can know? works for me.

Sandy