before I pulled the engine out of my wrecked 3ood (this was just a few weeks ago) I left it idling and actaully forgot about it. It was idling for three hours before I knoticed the noise. I guess this means I probably have a crapload of carbon in there, that will be gone soon the way I drive.

As for warming it up, I let mine warm up for usually ten minutes before I go. I like getting in a car thats warm, happy and strong, not cold slow and shifting weird

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1981 300SD 512k OM603

I bought one at autozoo last year, magnetic, think it was in the $20-$30 range. I believe it was zerostart branded. I'm sure that tractor supply or farm&Fleet would carry them also.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

Northern tool has a 150 watt oil pan heater. Silicone pad with glue. http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200339139_200339139

This one has a chart to show how many watts you need based on application:
http://www.warehouseautoparts.com/Specials/Kat/Kats_24100_Silicone_hotpad_oilpan_heater.htm

Lots of different heaters:
http://www.warehouseautoparts.com/Specials/Kat/Kat_heater_Specials.htm

They also have other sized. I bought a 25 watt, 50 watt, and a 100 watt heater. I also bought a 60 watt battery heater. You just have to ask.

-Jim

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1995 S350D, Green with black leather interior.
Bought January 2008 w/ 233,xxx miles.
I did 22,000 miles during the first year of ownership.

get in the car

warm the plugs

plug in iPod

latch seatbelt

turn key

check oil pressure

go