I experienced the irregular jumping of the temp gage going periodically from 11:00 to 7:00 (where normally the needle is at dead center, 9:00 on the gauge).

I went to Napa and got their "OEM" thermostat and replaced it. Now the needle sits at 10:00. I checked and found out that these thermostats are available in a variety of temp settings (82, 87, 92 degrees C). The one I put in is 87*C. The one I took out was 82*C.

Does this mean that my car is supposed to run with the 82*C thermostat as that is what had the needle sitting at 9:00 on the gauge???

From what I've read, that is usually a thermo used in warm weather environments. I'm up in Minnesota and through this past freezing winter my needle still always sat at 9:00. Some past posts have indicated that it is recommended to have engine temps higher and that they shouldn't be lowered. My confusion comes from the fact that if this old 82*C thermostat i took out was improperly replaced by the previous owner then should not my gauge have read a cooler engine with the needle pointing at 8:00 or something. Or was something re-calibrated???

Basically I have an 87 240DL with the B230F engine and would just like to know what the proper thermostat rating should be. Like i said, I have the 87*C one in now and the needle on the temp gauge is indicating a hotter than normal temp.

I know this may be a little confusing, but what I read about these temp differences, and what I'm experiencing in reality are two different things.

Thank you in advance for any help bricksters.
87-240DL