VR6 Passat - Too cool for school...

[E405]

Just got a VR6 a well priced 1994 VR6 Passat as a general hauler but I have noticed it takes 15mins normal driving to  get anywhere near to 'normal' operating temprature, and thats both from the dash water temp gauge (which I first thought was a faulty sender unit etc) and the MFA oil temprature which is struggling to reach 80C too - I know its cold outside but this is excessively cool...

Is thermostat stuck or do I need to check anything else? - any thoughts appreciated

[rubjonny]

Run the engine from cold and feel the bottom hose on the rad, it should stay stone cold till the guage gets to around half, then get warm.  If it gets warm almost straight away, your stat is missing or stuck open

[E405]

Cheers Ill give it a try...