Approximate Coolant operating temperature level.

[CWBx]

Hello.
I have a 1994 Sho 5-Speed.
Car is in amazing condition with 130k miles.

At idle in traffic the cars temp gauge reaches right at the bottom of the O in nOrmal.
The rad fan kicks on and it cools right back down below R.

It appears to be leak free but I replaced the radiator cap and ensured the fluid level is correct.
I just want to ensure it's not running too hot before the 100 summer gets here.

Is the Normal range actually safe to be in as long as it cools back down?

Thank you very much.

 

[jimtash]

It's fine. The temp gauge isn't that precise so unless it's in the red, I really wouldn't worry about it.

 

[rubydist]

typical operation if the thermostat is a 195* one. if you don't like that, you can put in a 180* thermostat and then the gauge will tend to run toward the lower end of the range. either is fine, especially at sea level.