Normal Temparature

I have 2002 Montana and was wondering as to what the normal temparature is for this van. The reason I ask this is because last Thursday, I had the head gasket replaced because my coolant was draining out. Before the repair, the temparature would normally stay at a quarter mark. However, after the head gasket was done, it is now staying between a quarter and one-half mark (i.e. 2 lines/stripes above the quarter mark).

The strange thing, when I stop at the traffic light, the temparature drops 1 line/stripe. And, if I put some gas on the highway (110km/h), the temp raised to almost reaching one-half mark (keep in mind this is winter with minus 15C windchill) before coming down to between a quarter and one-half mark.

I was wondering if this is normal or not. Should I get back to the mechanic to get this fixed?

Thanks,
Joseph

I would guess that the thermostat was replaced with the gasket job - right?
If so, you might want to ask if it was the 195 degree (which is the right one).

You are probably OK as long as the temperature does not go into the red, and your fans are turning on when they are supposed to. I posted a similar poll question on the Venture forum that is here:
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=651967

I also put a link or two there to explain how my system works. Check it out and see if yours is in the "normal" range.

Take Care,