Engine running temperature

[Doive]

Been running our D for a week now, and done more miles in seven days than has been done in the last seven years!

She's running very nicely now IMO, midrange misfire has cleared. One thing I have noticed is that the coolant temperature gauge sits just below 1/4, even on a long run. The heater blows plenty hot, and the engine shows no signs of hot running problems. So, is that roughly the correct running temperature?

[Rissy]

This is nice. It's easier to maintain a cooler engine temperature in Scotland anyway lol!

You should find that your cooling fans should kick in around the 198 degrees F on the temperature gauge.

Below this mark is good. Consistently above this normally points to a problem needing attention somewhere.

[Doive]

Excellent, thanks Rissy. I had pondered if the stat was sticking open slightly, then it would take ages to warm up and give poor fuel economy. Our water pump needs doing anyway, so that might be a job for then. Just curious to know what 'normal' is for a D. Learning as I go!