There doesn't appear to be a rhyme or reason for it, but some days, the temperature gauge on my '88 244 would have a somewhat higher reading than normal and on other days it would be pegged right in the middle. Since this is an '88, I figure it wasn't subject to the biodegradable wiring harness woes, but I saw that it could possibly be an issue with the temperature compensation board. Anyway, after driving to work today, I noticed it was a "tick or two above middle" again, so I popped the hood after getting to work. I didn't see any obvious signs of overheating and it appeared both hoses were hot (though the upper radiator hose was hotter than the lower) as well as the radiator. What I found was strange is that my coolant expansion tank was of normal temperature. Could these be related somehow? It might also be worth mentioning that my commute to work is 7 miles one way.

 

as long as its not pegged high and the engine smells burnt, you're fine.

odds are, your temperature stabilizer circuit has gone whacky. this is a little circuit in the instrument panel designed to put the needle dead in the middle if its anywhere near the normal operating temperature range, so the owners won't obsess on every little movement.

if you bypass the compensation circuit, you'll find the needle will respond to how you're driving, how hot it is outside, etc.