I'd say coolant temp should be read at the water manifold.
that's where the sensors in the stock Subaru engine are..
one for the sensor that talks to the ECU ..
and the other one that talks to the gauge.

in the water manifold  is where the hottest water is coming out of the
engine, and that's where temp sensors should be installed.
 'just do what the manufacturer did' ............one of my conversion
sayings.

I really like the stock vanagon coolant temp gauge - -  as cars go, it's a
fine gauge and system.

Scott
www.turbovans.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "Anthony Egeln" <regnsuzanne@YAHOO.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, April 20, 2011 7:53 AM
Subject: After-Market Temperature Gauge

Volks,
Since he can't cure my ailing stock temperature gauge, my tech has installed
an after-market gauge.
If you have done this already, or if you would do this, where would you
install the sender?
He currently has it on a line near the thermostat, but the temperature has
only reached as high as 140, and normally just gets to about 100. So he will
look for another spot.
I will add that his thermal gun reads right at 195 at the thermostat when
warmed up, so we know the engine is getting to the correct operating
temperature, despite what the gauge reads.
All ideas are appreciated. Thanks, Anthony'89 Syncro GL (Hidalgo)