'93 Golf AAZ won't reach operating temperature.

[chibochibchibo]

Hi all, first of all I'm sorry if there's already a thread like this one, I've tried searching for it, but I get some sort of database error while using search engine.

A couple days ago I've changed my leaky water pump with a new one. After doing this I went for a short drive and saw that my engine temperature is near 110c - 230f which is way above the temperature of 90c -194f that I used to see be before changing the pump. I thought that this could be fixed by changing a thermostat.. And it worked. Sort of..
 With this new thermostat (witch by the way opens at 87c -188.6f compared to the old ones 92c - 197.6f) I can not reach temperature above the  70c - 158f line, while driving the car at normal speed. Although normal operating temperature can be reached while the car is stationary (revving) or driving really slow, while in first on second gear with revs in 2000s-3000s range.

I'm quite stumbled right now, anyone got any ideas what might be wrong? 

By the way the temperature outside is around 9c - 42.8f.

[TylerDurden]

Still got the AC condenser in front of the radiator? If it's been removed, the ram airflow can increase enough to keep the engine from reaching full temperature. I block my grille in winter for that reason.

[chibochibchibo]

Hey. Well, it's a non AC car. Although I forgot to mention that at the same time, while changing pump, I installed a front vr6/gti lip. I know that this could change airflow to radiator, but could the outcome be this dramatic?

[vanbcguy]

What brand was the new thermostat? Was it tested?

It seems to be very common for thermostats to get stuck partly open or to open early. Actual factory VW ones work the best but there are a few aftermarket ones which perform well too.

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