temp gauge query

morning,

I've just bought a 1.6 deisel golf after years of aircooled ownership so now I have to worry about things such as temp gauges etc!

my question is this (I didn't get a user guide with the car so forgive me if its a simple query)

when my engine is warm the gauge is not exactly in the middle but is slightly over to the right, when stuck in traffic it goes further to the right but when does back down when the fan cuts in. Is it a problem that the engine is running slightly hot - I presume the red warning light on the gauge will come on if it is overheating?

Thanks in advance

Simon

doesnt sound like anything out of ordinary. for an older car. diesels do run a little hotter than petrol engines. as heat it used for igintion.
as long as the red light isnt coming on and the fan is working and it isnt using any coolant it should be fine.

cool thanks for putting my mind at ease - I know the fan is working as I've had a new one fitted so I'll just keep an eye on the coolant levels - if its using coolant I'll be back to post another question

Mine quickly gets up to the centre of the temp guage then seems to stay there for the entire journey. I rarely sit in traffic though, I'm mostly on open roads. I've had the fan occasionaly kick in when in stationary traffic aswell, as it's supposed to at anything more than the half way point on the guage.
As long as your fan's working it won't be doing any harm.
As you know, just check that it's not using/losing coolant. I also remove the little grille on the drivers side behind the bumper in summer to help more cool air get in (although this might not help much in stationary traffic!) Do you get out on open roads much then? Or town driving mostly?
And yes, the red light will flash non-stop when it's damagingly hot!

Thanks for the reply - I do all sorts for driving but have noticed it more in traffic - even on open roads the guage sits at more than half way and the fan only seems to kick in when it gets past the first dot from the center on the right but i know thw fan is ok as I've had a new fan and switch fitted.

I guess I'll just keep an eye out on the coolant level