I would suspect that the gauge is off. Not typical for the motor to not reach temp.

Will it reach temp if you let it idle? Do the fans kick on?

 

Fans kick on, and won't reach 190 no matter what I do

Gas mileage seems to be suffering, and I have no check engine light or anything else

 

Does the car hit 190 if you let it sit there idling?

If your Tstat is stuck open, it will hit full temp while sitting still, but driving cools it down.

 

Let the car sit idling for about an hour and. Barely gets to the first notch after 120 no luck

 

I'm assuming u replaced the t stat with an OEM temp right? You can check ur temp using vag com to read measuring blocks. Like .Ant said, it may be the gauge. Since ur fans are turning on then ur coolant has reached operating temp. Fans are requested by the thermoswitch when the temp is just over 190.

 

Yes replaced with OEM thermostat and replaced the housing too

Which measuring block in vag Com would I check? And could I do it with the free version of vag Com?

 

Is it possible someone installed a lower temp thermoswitch? Are you the original owner? If not, can you get hold of the previous owner?

 

The coolant temp can b seen in multiple measuring blocks. Pretty sure 01 and 02 has it. Not sure about the free version. I have Ross techs vcds

 

Got it plugged into vag com and it won't go past 75 Celsius tried even driving the car and highway pulls and such and it cooled down the car to 70-73

Thermostat opens since I can feel th e lower hose from cold to hot

 

Hmm are you sure you didn't put in a lower temp t stat? Try to determine at what temp the t stat opens by touching the lower hose and ur vagcom. Its opening too soon. Should open at 87°C for 1.8t (not sure). My vr6 opens at 80°C. I had a similar problem of the car never reaching op temp. Are you getting a dtc for coolant system malfunction? My problem was a thermostat that was stuck open.

 

No check engine light or codes when I had it in vag com

Will check to see but pretty sure I ibstalled an ordered the right 87 thermostat

 

So I did the delete of the n249, evap etc the same time I did the thermostat

Any idea if that's related?

 

Anyone?