Introduction and query if I may?

ArchieLux said:

View attachment 200725 [GALLERY=][/GALLERY]Hello all. Concise intro, I've gone into Landy ownership from many a Japanese truck. Yup, it's a different box of cheese huh?!
A few quid down the road after purchase...
I'm loving my 200tdi Defender, but something's been bugging me. I'm neurotic about overheating. It's a 1993, has been very well looked after and runs wonderfully.
What's wrong then I hear you ask?
Well, the original temp gauge always showed on the high side (about 3/4 towards the red) ... and there's me being told 200tdi's run cool.
So, I try to troubleshoot.
New thermostat(s)
New Airtex water pump
New, correct sensor/sender
New hoses
Re-cored copper rad
Replacement viscous unit
Checked earths...
I'm sure I looked at more but can't recall right now.
Anyway, final step was fitting a VDO temperature gauge today, so I could see an actual, specific readout (more for my neuroses than anything else).
I rather expected to see a lower temperature reading, given the fairly good press VDO units get.
I've ruled out an airlock. Turner Engineering put a nice new lump in (2012).
No bubbling or bad signs of actual overheating. It's just unnerving me, the readout.
Can anyone please enlighten me as to the correct temp I should be seeing on the VDO ?
I'm trying to add a few photos.
The higher readings depicted are when driving uphill (courtesy of an assistant!) ...the lower is at idle after a long run.
Footnote.
I've had very helpful/insightful posts on Facebook regarding this, just wanted to join up (for future stuff) and throw it out there on this forum also. Lots of heads better than a few!
Many thanks in advance everyone.

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Turktowner said:

Greetings and welcome.
Fwiw my 300tdi sits at midrange pretty much no matter what I do.
You appear to have the correct amount of moisture in your gauges too

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Turktowner said:

I'll have had her four years come May. Ten minutes to warm up as you say, then just sits pointing at twelve oclock, rain or shine. My clocks are just indicative though, I have no idea what temperature that actually relates to (now you've got me worried )

You'll have heard of the Italian Tune Up, so it makes sense that a hot diesel is happier than a cold or (at least makes sense to me).

Like @brianp38dse says, best ask again in the right bit of the forum.
And, let's ask @jamesmartin he really knows stuff..

All the best.

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ArchieLux said:

Thank you Turk,
Yes, all that lovely condensation that doesn't appear to EVER want to 'dry out'.
So, just to reiterate, would you not have any concerns??
It takes the usual ten mins to warm up.
Good heater.
Sits around 90°C until you push it, then on an uphill 'battle' can be seen around 96/97°C ...well, around there anyway.
It's just I've heard so much anecdotally about these running over cool it's made me wonder what's wrong with mine?
Although am I right in saying an efficient diesel SHOULD run hotter for optimum performance??
Cheers!

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