[Vwdiesel] winter update from chicago

[raymond]

fortunately i was able to bring my 90 passat wagon,na, into a slightly heated garage for most of this winter. no real problems, just some nagging to do;s.this being a condo garage i can only do very minor work on this car in the garage
the alt exciter does not alwys receive the 12 volts to energize the field and so i jump the terminals to get to charge every once in a while
i want to change out the thermostat and a valve cover gasket and was wondering if there is a brand that the list has found to be of quality 
the cooling fan had some issues and while never over heated, it went close and the eng temp stays higher than it used to since then, so thought i had better change out the thermo.autohausaz carries the walher and behr and i will check the local autozone.
the valve cover gasket was supposedly changed though it still leaks a good amount from the intake side, the low point on the head.
i would like to travel to the gulf with this car and feel these are two of the glaring weaknessesto car for. i would change out the fan/temp sensor at the same time.
one other thing, i would like to install an oil pressure gauge and wondered if there is one that the list has found to be quality. summit racing carries the vdo though i will want to look locally also.
stay warm!