Temp Gauge Needle position and re wire

[The Mikey]

I can find lots of posts on how to fix problems with temp gauge and the flashing light but what I can't find is where the needle should be during "normal" operation with the temp level correct. Mine sits at about 3/4 the way to the right...is this right or am I running hot? The temp gauge never worked when I got the van and I have recently re-ran a wire from the gauge on the dash to the temp sender as there was a break in the wiring somewhere, is this right or have I by-passed something?

Thanks

[DentedDevon]

You dont say what van you have, however I have had 2 1.9 petrol vans and a 1.7 diesel and under "normal" conditions they ran with the needle somewhere near the LED in the middle.
VW hand book says the white block at the left is warming up then the big section that stretches most of the way accross ththe rest of the gauge is the "normal" running area.
Also under while driving under normal conditions the radiator cooling fan rarely runs , but will cut in & out while standing in traffic.
I have had a couple of experiences where the needle has been right up to the end of the gauge , water loss and hot weather + hills. On both occasions the red LED started flashing as well.
The red LED should flash for a few seconds when you switch on the ignition so you know it works.