Correct Temp?

[RossB]

Basic Question, but what is the correct coolant temperature for a 2.0L?
Mine seems to run at 90 deg but has gone down to 70 at times, I note that the Bentley says the fan comes in at 91-105 and I would think that this would be the upper end of the range.
A bit of work now if needed might save me big $ later.
Car was seviced (major) in march.
Ross.

[SoVeReIgN]

Should be 90 - Thermostat most likely gone if it is dropping on the open road and sitting correctly in traffic.

[RossB]

Thanks,
It was a very cold night when it dipped and it happily sits on 90 when it's in traffic. Just one more thing to add to the "must check that" list.

Ross.

[anarchycamp]

Should be 90 - Thermostat most likely gone if it is dropping on the open road and sitting correctly in traffic.

Noticed my MkII drops right down on open road and in traffic sits mid point in traffic....time to replace thermostat perhaps?

[MattyT]

My VR6 seems to sit at 90 no matter what im doing.

[wayz]

Why would the thermostat be faulty if the reading drops during open road driving?
I would've thought that cooling would be more efficient when the car is driving along the open road? Just a thought, dont know if thats right though?

[Whist]

Thats what I would think as well, Mine goes back to 70 when on the highway but rises to 90 around town, however if its a hot day it can go up to 90 on the highway.

[daveshep]

yeah my VR6 runs so cold when on the open road that you'd think the temperature gauge wasnt working... when sitting still or driving slowly in traffic the temperature comes up to the middle of the gauge, which makes me think the thermostats stuck open.

gonna be a messy job changing the thermostat but - i've had the coolant out of the car a few times and it never gets any more fun. anyone got tips so i can reuse the coolant? i've got a sweet metal crackpipe so draining the coolant will be a little easier...

[VW Convert]

Why would the thermostat be faulty if the reading drops during open road driving?
I would've thought that cooling would be more efficient when the car is driving along the open road? Just a thought, dont know if thats right though?

Hi wayz,

I'm no expert on VW's and operating temps, I do know my Jetta runs on 90 at all times. What is important is understanding the purpose of a thermostat and that is to keep the engine as close to it's ideal operating temperature as possible by restricting or allowing the flow of coolant. The fact that your temperature drops during open road driving MAY and I emphasise MAY indicate your thermostat is not resticting flow when it should be therefore allowing the temperature to drop below the ideal temperature. Cooler is not necessarily better and running too cool will have a detrimental effect on the engine.

I hope that helps in some way.

Cheers

George

[wayz]

Ahh... Yep, point taken!
I see the point about running too cool, but is 70ish too cool? The last thing i want is any 'detrimental' things happening to my car

Hi wayz,

I'm no expert on VW's and operating temps, I do know my Jetta runs on 90 at all times. What is important is understanding the purpose of a thermostat and that is to keep the engine as close to it's ideal operating temperature as possible by restricting or allowing the flow of coolant. The fact that your temperature drops during open road driving MAY and I emphasise MAY indicate your thermostat is not resticting flow when it should be therefore allowing the temperature to drop below the ideal temperature. Cooler is not necessarily better and running too cool will have a detrimental effect on the engine.

I hope that helps in some way.

Cheers

George