what should engine temp be?

[GolfGL]

Hi ive just done my first long journey and the gauge read between 75-90 oc. now this was at a steady 60-70 miles an hour. all my previous vag cars have read a static 90 oc one warm so is this normal for a gti 8v?

Also how big is the petrol tank and what is the best speed to maximise mpg?

Thanks
Adam

[itavaltalainen]

Re: temperature - your thermostat needs replacing. Easy job on VW 827 based engines

Re: maximising mpg - 50 mph - no aircon etc.

[GolfGL]

You think its stuck open then?
Cheers
adam

[Gavv8]

Fairly easy job on an 8v.

[Bandit127]

You think its stuck open then?
Cheers
adam

Yes. I am going to crawl under mine tomorrow to (hopefully) fix exactly the same fault.

While you are driving with a stuck open thermostat you will be using too much petrol. The car takes a long time to get up to temp - especially noticeable on short journeys.

And when you are driving at 75° the oil will be thicker than it should be (at 90°) so will create drag and further reduce your mpg.

My AGG did a trip from Warrington to Hedge End (about 220 miles) with an average of 46.6 mpg and 60 mph the other day - a record for me and I was well chuffed. It was a warm day so the temp was at 90 most of the time which must have helped.

[GolfGL]

As its cheap i might as well just get a new one and put it in. hopefully will improve the mpg as it seems terrible but as my mfa display is broken im not entirely sure what its getting.

[Gavv8]

I usually get 35-38 .