[Vwdiesel] normal running temp

[mikitka]

Is the radiator the only thing that you didn't replace?  Sounds like a
partial blockage and it isn't being efficient enough to cool the vehicle
down. While cruising at hwy speeds the fan should not come on. The air flow
through the radiator should be enough to keep things cool. That is why I'm
thinking a blockage, not enough of an area in the radiator is getting to
exchange the heat out of the coolant, thus you're getting higher temps due
to the inefficiency. 
I was having the classic head gasket leak, over pressurizing the coolant
tank, I though it was a clogged radiator, this is before I know now and was
a newbie to diesels last year. So I bought a new radiator. It was a bad head
gasket in the end. My system has been flushed and with all new items in the
coolant system to include the radiator. I run just off of the mid line on
the temp gage. In traffic on nice hot days like yesterday here in NC when it
reached 97F with a 102F heat index, the needle will go between half and
three quarters and the fan will kick on. I would say that your radiator has
a blockage and isn't efficient enough.
Nick

-----Original Message-----
From: vwdiesel-bounces at vwfans.com [mailto:vwdiesel-bounces at vwfans.com] On
Behalf Of a f
Sent: Thursday, July 07, 2005 3:07 AM
To: LBaird119 at aol.com; vwdiesel at audifans.com
Subject: Re: [Vwdiesel] normal running temp

Similar question...
 
I have a '91 1.6 N/A Jetta and I am thinking the fan is coming on too much.
I have had some overheating problems in the past (see archive) and thought I
had rid the car of any overheating problems (Coolant flush, changed
hoses/heater core, H2O pump,thermostat, and thermoswitch for fan). Car does
not currently overheat (read idiot light blinking) and I never lose any
coolant anymore but it seems my fan is switching on too much ie. the car
always seems to run at the temp when the fan comes on (3/4) even during
highway cruising...and when I climb a hill the temp increases and approaches
the red (but never activating idiot light). I understand that the actual
reading on the gauge doesn't mean squat because they are inconsistent but I
am concerned that the fan is being over worked. Simply put while at
comfortable cruising speed should the water temp. be where  the fan switches
on and off constantly or should the fan only be on when the car is in
traffic or pulling a hill? FYI I am
  in NJ
 so the temp has been hot but not fry an egg hot.
Another way of putting it, should the car, while moving/cruising comfortable
(level grade/60 mph) be able to cool on its own (without fan) or is the fan
critical for cooling at all times?
 
Thanks
Andrew