Jack;
        On the 1.9L engines there is another factor besides temperature
that could affect gauge readings; poor grounds. The gauge's sender is a
one wire device which depends on chassis ground for a return current
path. Any poor engine-to-chassis ground connections would add or subtract
to the gauges reading depending on what electrical consumers were being
used. Also check the ground clusters behind the fuse block. They are
often corroded by leaking windshields.
        I really enjoyed  reading your post. I hope to make it "down
under" someday.

Drive Safely & Good Luck
Ken Lewis    <Kernersville,NC
86 VW crewcab;60 356B Coupe
 neksiwel.20m.com

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