IIRC a lot of older cars had the oil pump in the rear which would actually allow them to be push started and towed lond distances without problems. Somewhere along the way (I bet it came about the same time as Fuel Injection) the manufacturers figured out that the average car spends as much time ideling at lights or in traffic than it does moving so they moved the pump to the front where it would be run by the engine. This means you can't tow most momdern autos for long distances (such as behind an RV as you travel the US) or push start one, but it won't hurt to idel. I have found that my truck in very hot summer weather with the AC on max can overheat the eninge because the engine driven fan cannot keep up at idel speed. I have to shift to N and rev the engine a bit to get enough airflow. I'm planning on seperating the transmission cooler from the radiator and also installing an electric fan on the AC condenser to help out there.

You could also build one of these gas powered VW heaters into your vehicle that should last you until the battery or gas in your vehicle runs out.

http://www.espar.com/htm/specials/sitemap.htm

Bountyhunter

Bountyhunter,

You can get surplus Espar, Eberspaecher, Swingfire with Turboheater that was used in NATO military Unimog vehicles, a survival vehicle if I ever saw one. They only need electricity to start. Once started they nolonger need electricty. The exhaust gasses are used by the turbocharger as a blower. They can be obtained in either gas or diesel versions in either 12 volt at 12.5 amps or 24 volt at 6.25 amps. They even have their own fuel tank. They are also portable and can be setup to heat a small building, i.e. shelter. Factory rebuilt units can be had for less than $200. You can usually find them on eBay from time to time. These are very safe units that military grunts have used for years.