Thermostat replaced but now running too hot?

Hi,

I recently had my thermostat replaced as my tdi (1994 1Z Europe) was never getting warm.
Since having the thermostat replaced I have found that the temp gauge seems to fluctuate alot.

Judging from the picture below would you say that this is normal for the temp needle to be sitting over half?? or should it get up to half way from cold then be pegged at dead half way no matter what?
After further driving I have noticed it has started to settle

Just for info the thermostat that replaced the failed 1 was exactly the same spec and the like.

would love some opinions because i think it may be running slightly hot.

(just to note its in celcius not farenheit)

Davies

Davies,
It looks normal to me. I assume it was an 87C thermostat. If so, your water temp is in the right ball park. The only way to read accurate water temp is to use vcds (was vag-com) to read what the ECM is actually reading.

If it is a little high, with vcds readings, it couls mean there is a low water volume moving. This could indicate blockage in the radiator, or possibly a failing water pump.

Just watch it closely for a while and see what happens. If it starts getting hot, pull off the road and call for a tow.

Tony