I'd say your next step is to monitor the engine temp via the VAG-COM. You could also put a thermometer by a heat vent and monitor the temp of the air leaving the heat duct (as this will be, at your current temperatures, a function of the temperature of the coolant and will give you some idea as to whether the coolant is staying hot or if it is really cooling off, independent of what the CTS is reading).

What temp rating was the new t-stat? You didn't stick a 160 degree t-stat in by mistake did you?

Bob

 

nope, it was a 190.... im gonna put a temp sensor in it, and see what happens... the more I pay attention to it, the more it makes less sence, and I talked to the prior owner and mentioned what it was doin, and he said "ah hell, its been doin that for years"
yea, problem childs are fun....