A thermostat that doesn't allow temps to get to normal in a reasonable time
needs to be replaced. Sounds like yours is dying in the "Stuck open" position
and never allowing things to warm up. It is not remaining restricted to get the
engine temp up to proper operating temperature. Needs replacing. But at least it
isn't dying in the "Stuck Closed" position....that would cause your engine to
overheat......and overheat should show on the gage if all the circuits are
working.

John Rodgers
88GL Driver who's BTDT

Peter wrote:

> Dear Vanagon list,
>   I  was wondering if any of you out there might be kind enough to tell me
> how long it takes for your water temp gauge to get up to "normal" on a cold
> winter eve (like when it's 20 degrees F. out?) ???  Or does it get up to
> normal  at all when its that cold??
>
>           I'm trying to determine if my thermostat is bad or if it is just
> the cold temp outside?   Mine is only slowly going up and never gets to
> "normal", even after 30 min of driving, and I cant remember if it always did
> that when its cold???  (its only just gotten cold here at the north pole in
> the Santa Fe desert!) or if this is a "sign"  from the thermostat, telling
> me time to replace??
>  Thanks for sharing!
>
> Peter
>
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