Yeah, but that was just the last run, it was probably running hotter than it should most of its life. As you see now with all you have done to cool it and it is still hotter than what you were wanting.
True that.
It is a completely different engine in every respect but still pulling the same load (same driver as well).
As there was no EGT sensor at the time, and I was using the temp gauge (silly), it was probably was hitting 1500 many times.
Definitely a case of what I didn't know - did hurt.
The OP never said he was stock though - still could be a possibility but not very likely. He said it still idles. I don't recall for sure but I don't think mine idled, or if it did, not well.

sorry for the delayed response. I appreciate all the input. Here's a major detail I thought I had mentioned in the original post.
I was running this engine problem free in my 84 jetta (all maintenance was done while in the jetta - HG. etc) ran mint. The white smoke issue didn't start until I swapped the engine into my 81 pickup. Come to find out the pickup was parked/ stripped by the previous owner for (DUN DUN DUNNnn) stalling issues. If the snow/ freezing rain ever stops here - I'm going to bottle feed the truck - and confirm whether the tank has been the issue for the previous owner - as well as mysef.
heres another question. What can even go wrong in a MKI pickup tank? As far as I know its a screen/ filterless tank. I have some memory of a screen configuration at the fuel level sender - but It's fuzzy. Any input appreciated
and the trucks "build thread" for entertainment purposes
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?5937102-Pale-Rider-(moribund)
one pinhole in the feed tube, and it's air all the time.
There is a cylinder-shaped screen in the tank.
There is a cylinder-shaped screen in the tank.
thanks. follow up time. It finally stopped snowing/raining/sucking, and I got a chance to bottle feed the truck today. Black soot - no stalling - no air in the lines - ran like a champ .
thanks for all the suggestions.
Congrats! and thanks for mentioning the fix
I had to cut out some of the metal lines on my rabbit when I got it. Some runs were smashed flat like somebody use it as a jack point