I tried the cord route, then went ahead and had the whole thing replaced. No good. Got a magnet heater from JC whitney, but there isn't a big enough spot on the block to attach it. It said it was meant for the block, not the oil pan, but I know the kind you refer to.

Anyway, to make a long story short, I thought I was screwed, checked the extension cord, etc. Then found the socket was crappy - kind of delivers power half the time, does nothing the other half.

Anyway, with a new block heater, it should start like it would on a summer day in temps down to about 0, or so I'm told.

We'll see. I may have to do what you do.

Thanks

__________________
Gil

2004 ML350
1984 300CD; Ivory (sold)