Is the gauge working properly? That would be the first consideration. The gauge should be on top or beyond the LED when the fan turns on. If the gauge sits in a consistent area, and then raises slightly before the fan turns on, things are probably working right. If cool wheather causes the gauge to stay lower than normal, then consider a t-stat problem.

Dennis

----- Original Message -----
From: mordo
Date: Monday, February 5, 2007 11:33 am
Subject: Engine temp and emissions testing
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM

> >
> > The engine should go into closed loop mode at around 120F. So
> weather you
> > have an 80C or 87C thermostat, the fuel injection will pretty
> much work the
> > same. Of course, actual efficiency and oil heating can be affected.
>
>
> Okay, that makes sense. But, with my gauge never showing more
> than halfway
> between the bottom bar and the LED, does this indicate that the
> engine is
> running too cool and thus less efficiently than it should?
>
>
>
> > In cold weather, one must resist the temptation to turn the
> front heater
> > fan on high. All air in front is outside air.
>
>
> I'm at no risk of that as my front fan ist kaput. Normally, air
> flow is
> sufficient with the rear heater running. Today is the coldest
> it's been all
> year and it was by no means comfortably warm.
>
> In the real heat of August last year, with AC blowing, the
> needle on my temp
> guage maxed at the top of the LED. The fan would come on
> reliably about then
> when in stop an go but rarel when I was just motoring. So,
> engine to cool?
> Just right?
>
>
> --
> mordo
> 1990 Carat
>