myroad

you affix an electric strip to the oil pan externally and it keeps it around 120 degrees overnight. When you start it up in the am the oil doesnt have any condensates/degradation products and the engine doesnt rev high, pollute, get crappy(er) mileage. Also the heat comes right on.

My brother just put one on his G-wagen. Wired the plug behind the grille. Trying to convince people its a hybrid/electric car. Right. But the other stuff is interesting, as -- especially the 2.7T if memory serves -- our cars do tend to be dogs when they are cold (not so much the 4.2)

mustbeaudi

I use Wolverine brand pads for two V16 diesel generator sets at our facility, similar concept.

paulroad

they were made for deisels as the oil and the fuel tends to glop in the cold.

There is another one that replaces the dip stick. It too heats the oil viaa an electric plug. You just have to remember to unplug it in the morning.

Bobby Kinstle

it was a godsend on my audi 5000 diesel on cold winter mornings.

canAudian

jacket but apparently the block has no water jacket plugs. My heater is a 500w one that i glued to the oil pan which if left on overnight will heat up the entire engine. I actually feels warm to the touch in the morning.

mustbeaudi

Nice thing about a self-regulating external pad/device is that it does not directly 'cook' the oil