[Vwdiesel] normal running temp

[Sandy Cameron]

My 87 jettaTD runs just below the LED in summer, just above in winter (??)
I figure the difference is due to the recirc temp via the heater return pipe
to the thermostat acting like a servo, the pipe is hotter in summer than
winter due to temp of air flow over it, and the therrmostat dutifully
adjusts to compensate, causing the slightly higher winter temp.

My fan has never come on due to high rad temp, and I manage the temp
manually, when in city traffic, I shove the switch for the now defunct A/C
to A/C mode which forces the rad fan on.

I never have to use the fan in ordinary highway driving, or even around
town, if the car is moving.

I concur that apparent high temps are an early warning of head gasket
failure, long before oil shows in the reservoir.
Mysterious disapearing antifreeze, higher temps, especially at higher speeds
or under power demand (uphill, towing trailer)

Mine was speaking to me a year before it got to the obvious stages.
Now, with the new gasket installed, all is "cool" again.

Sandy