Author Topic: New to forum, Where should my temp needle be? (Read 3146 times)

hamradio · « **on:** June 13, 2007, 09:04:17 pm »

Hi,
I'm new the forum. A few months ago, I bought an '82 1.6 NA rabbit 4 dr with 220k miles, for $400. Needs a TB change, shocks changed in back, a windshield. I ordered the TB tonight, and a bentley for it. The other day, I also bought a gasser '88 Scirocco 16v.

Anyway, about where should the water temp needle sit, under normal operation, on my rabbit? With the rad fan on, driving around in 3rd gear, it is about in the middle of the gauge. Is this too hot?

tylernt · « **Reply #1 on:** June 13, 2007, 09:35:04 pm »

Most gauges read a little to the hot side of middle, it's quite normal but has concerned many a new VW owner!

Sounds like you have one car for mileage and one car for fun... a fine combination I think.

Welcome to the forum, and 73!

jtanguay · « **Reply #2 on:** June 14, 2007, 04:38:22 am »

my car ran at about 3/4 of the gauge with the hot vw thermostat.

the diesel t-stats make the engine run pretty hot. just keep an eye on your temps, and for peace of mind, verify that the fan works on both low and high speeds.

JohnS · « **Reply #3 on:** June 14, 2007, 05:19:00 am »

With the fan on mine stays @ 25% around town and will go up to roughly 50% at highway speed.

burn_your_money · « **Reply #4 on:** June 14, 2007, 06:17:13 am »

My Rabbit always ran at dead center. I always got worried when it moved 1 line hotter, which was only when I was low on coolant

hamradio · « **Reply #5 on:** June 14, 2007, 06:17:42 am »

Ok. Thanks.

Well, the scirocco isn't exactly for fun, yet. It was $300; I think the pushrod went through the pressure plate in the clutch. It runs great, but the clutch has problems. And it has 188k miles on it.

Again, thanks.

73 de KC0KBH