[saturnspeed_12]

ok first, the gauge should be between 1/4 and 1/2 mark. once it gets warm out dont be surprised to see it sore just below the redline near the 3/4 mark, thats the 220 degree range which is where the fan kicks in.

ok now for the moisture, its normal for any car. if your getting a bit of a gas smell, then you might want to think about a new coolant temperature sensor. now with your car you will have 2 sensors that look identical, one is the coolant sensor for the pcm and the other is for your gauge. i never remember which is which. the "ash" is carbon from too much fuel normally caused by the cts, which if been run like that for a while will carbon up the piston rings making it consume oil pretty good. i would suggest a piston soak with sea foam or marvel mystery oil. to do this you add one of the 2 down the cylinder and fill it to where it completely soaks the piston. dont over do it or then you get the fun of cranking the engine over to shoot the rest out. you should let it sit like that for at a minimum of 12 hours. check up on it though to make sure the soaking agent doesnt drain down.

i would definitely suggest the coolant sensor and the piston soak after hearing about those plugs. also always check your oil in it, saturns like to burn it mainly do to the piston rings carboning up because of the rich condition.