I managed to get the thermostat changed today on my wifes mk4 golf 1.6se 8v
1999, barrel of laughs it was

The temperature needle now sits bang on 90, heats up quicker, heating is
hotter and on a short run the computer is tell me encouraging MPG readings.

There were no leaks, I let it cool down and topped up a bit. I'd estimate
about 4 and a half litres of coolant went back in so I got away with just
buying 2 bottles of g12... phew

One thing I noticed is the lower radiator pipe was not hot at all compared
to all the other coolant pipes ? (not sure it gets or or not) but wondered
if something was wrong with the thermostat change or something causing it
not to heat up ?

....glad its over and I hope the lower rad pipe query is not serious ? ...
everything seems to be working great, a lot better than before. And very
nice to see the temp guage sit at 90 and not fly up and down between 70/90
randomly.

thanks