<< Gary - what you describe is not a block heater - it is an oil pan heater,
 not at all the same thing.

 If you ever had the need to use it, you would learn that it is next to
 useless to help start your car. >>

Combined with an onboard trickle charger.... I find it to be most useful....
only way to do it here in Alaska.... and it was down to -30 F for a while
last winter...

Scott De Santi
86 Vanagon 2WD (The Wobbly Bus)
Anchorage, Alaska