[silentline3x]

So I have a few questions about goings-on with my 1996 Honda Civic LX, which, for the most part, has been extraordinarily reliable, just giving it some love, because winter is coming, and it gets rough up here in Wisconsin.

First is my alternator... we have boiled it down to either the alternator needing to be rebuilt/or the tension of the belt needs to be adjusted... I tried the latter, and I just can't seem to get at the bolt that controls position of alternator pulley... so basically what I am asking is for directions on how to remove alternator/fix belt tension.

Second... engine block heater... (I park my car outside)... I figured that if it can allow for easier starts, and for heat to come on faster, I need it. So what I am trying to ask for, is which kind would be best/where should I get it... I've been doing my research and just don't see much. I heard from here: Any Honda owners with an Engine Block Heaters? [ Archive] - GasSavers.org - Helping You Save at the Pump
That a "frost plug" type heater would be OK... if that were to be my route... where is that frost plug located, and where can I buy the heater? Otherwise, I found this: ZeroStart Tank-type Engine Heaters : JC Whitney: Auto Parts & Accessories
To save you the trouble, its an inline coolant heater/circulator that obviously splices into heater hose. What about that?

OK, thanks for reading so far. My final question is about the scan-gauge II... I want to get one because I think my MPG could really benefit from me seeing real-time mpg numbers.
However, the unit seems kind of pricey to me for what it does. The ideal unit for me would be something where you can tune the car (performance/economy wise), along with being able to view "extra gauges"... so, is there any comparable product like this? Or is this just wishful thinking?

Thanks very much for your time, and I hope to hear back!

[TxGreaseMonkey]

A thought, after reading your posting: Full-synthetic engine oil would allow your Civic to start faster in the winter, improve mpg, improve performance, and be easier on your battery, among other things.