2002 Skoda Octavia Frost plug or freeze plug - engine block

Hello,

I live in Novosibirsk, Russia and have recently purchased a 1.6 litre 2002 Skoda Octavia Combi, manual transmission. I have been looking for various means to improve cold weather starting ability. So far the car has been starting but the temperature has been between -10C and -42C. It was difficult to start at -33C. The car has a low temperature auto start programmed but I don’t like running the engine just to keep it somewhat warm.

I am Canadian and in Canada we have electrical engine block heaters that work very well. These install in the engine block by removing a frost plug and installing the heating element in its place. You plug the electric cord into any electrical power socket and the engine coolant is heated with between 1000 and 1500 amps.

Do you know where I can get an electrical engine block heater for my car that I can purchase? The power supply is 220 volts 50 hertz here in Russia.

If you don’t where to find a block heater, can you tell me the size of the frost plugs, and where they can be located on the engine block? I have found a supplier in the USA (for 110 volts power source). I would much prefer to get an engine block heater that is provided by Skoda, for 220 volts.

A second choice would be a lower radiator hose electrical heater of 220 volts. For this I would also need to know the ID of the lower radiator hose. I think it is 25mm, but would like confirmation, and I have not yet found one of these that is 220 volts either.

Please let me know if you can help.