and, the Dash or VDO console gauge? Tag on quest'n (archive)

When the radiator sprung a leak, I replaced it with a new 320i rad. And since my experiance with '02 is hot, hot, and hotter, I put in a 71C thermostadt at the same time.

Now, the dash RARELY gets to half way. Question 1: Is this too cold?

Also, the dash gauge and the console VDO don't seem to be on speaking terms. The dash will show operating temp well before the console. And when the dash is showing just under half, the console is reading 180F.

Questions 2a and 2b: Are these two guys reading from the same place? If not, which should I be more concerned with: the lackidazy attitude of the Dash gauge or the Official-Looking-ness of the console VDO gauge?

TIA
david
73tii ceylon

Seems to run better in the bottom half of the temp gauge range. Before I swapped the stock thermostat for a 71deg one, it used to run in the top half of the gauge and seemed to have less power and not as smooth.

My trips are usually around 10 miles, and the needle gets to around 1/4 way up the temp gauge when outside temp 10-30 deg C. What I'm concerned is whether the engine gets to operating temp on a 10 mile trip. Is there a right temperature, where should the needle sit on the gauge?

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