Coolant temperatures

[Jasonking]

Hi, a little poser for you all to mull over, my mk1 850 has an 88” centigrade thermostat fitted, when engine is up to operating temp would that prevent the temperature gauge reading at normal? Currently it settles at just over halfway between cold and normal on the scale, seems a bit on the cold side? Thanks

[Peter Laidler]

between 88 and 92 are the UK norms so far as I am aware. It's simple to test a thermostat with a bowl of water and a kitchen thermometer. I'd say that if the temp is reading - as you say, slightly over half-way between C and N on a stiflingly hot summers day, then just accept it. That's what my Mk2 S reads on the hottest days of the last few years and is running like a champ.
(That said, it is running on waterless and the rad cap is just a cap as opposed to a pressure cap)

[cockney21]

As said if you unsure if the stat is stuck test it, or just fit another. They're cheap enough and 10 min job. Running too cold does the engine no favours hence the reason for the stat in the first place. Most cars will run slightly colder in the winter with the heater running and the cold air over the rad.