>The temp pointer will reach right next to the red mark on the gauge in >summer and traffic congestion with a/c on. The temp will drop and the >pointer drop to lower mid level when I get on the freeway after about 2 to >3 minutes of driving at 50-70 kph.

Peter,

My 244 did the same (exact) thing. I removed the radiator and couldn't believe the amount of crud- bugs, dirt, animal hair, and unidentified organic matter that was clogging the cooling fins. All this stuff wasn't apparent from the backside and I wouldn't have believed it could have passed through the AC condensor. I used a garden hose directly against the backside of the radiator and a small brass brush to "comb" the debris from the other side. You can check for stubborn areas by holding a light behind the radiator. Take the extra time needed to complete the tedious task of straightening any areas where the cooling fins have been bent over and restrict the air flow. This worked for me and would be an inexpensive place to start in solving your problem. Good luck.

Some people like to use the power washers at the local car washes but in my opinion there is too great of risk of the high pressure flattening or even dislodging the cooling fins.