Starting the Car in -40 celcius. Tips?

[PrincessJessyka87]

I have a block heater, and my car has been plugged in for 19 hours. It was -40 overnight, and has been -30 (celcius) all day. Yet my engine still won't turn over.

I have even tried placing a blanket on top of my engine while it has been plugged in to heat it enough to get it started.

What else can I try to get my car started?

[sstocker31]

I know this is way late for a reply, but here are some tips for others.
1. Battery blanket...must have item. The battery looses 50% cranking power @ -20.
2. Circulating water heater. The water circulates by convection. Really helps when temps drop below -30.
3. 0-30 or 0-20 SYNTHETIC oil. Conventional oil goes solid as a brick at around -35 or 36.
4. park your car where it's protected from the wind....this does help. An unheated shelter works very well.
5. The blanket over the engine, and draped over the front end of the car helps as well.
6. When you do get it started, shift the transmisson into neutral this will help the trans fluid warm up as well.
7. Change engine oil, transmission oil, power steering fluid, and front/rear axle oil (on 4x4's) to synthetic oil's

[DeltaP]

I'd like to add a dipstick heating element and an electric battery blanket too. Parking in a shelter or even the leeward side of the house would make a tremendous difference. Better yet I'd go back to bed!