Temperature Gauge Issue

[Feaglesnork]

First some background information:

91 Mercury Cougar
70,000 miles (a grandma owned it previous to me)
Had head gasket replaced roughly 8 months ago.

Since the HG repair, car has been running smoothly. I constantly check the temperature gauge now and have noticed no real problems with heating or inconsistencies. Temperature rises normally to midway point then regulates and holds position slightly off center on the low side.

But last week, I noticed, on my morning drive (not at idle), the temperature gauge climb normally, but move past the midway point and get close to the 3/4 level. I panicked for a moment, but after about 30 seconds of it staying there, the needle dropped to the normal level. Since then, I've been watching the gauge closely and see that it does not act this way every time I drive, and has actually only done it once since last week. It does, however, go a little higher than usual before stabilizing in the middle, but not as far as the 3/4 level.

Anyway, I know there are a number of things this could be, and that I will have to take it to a repair shop. Just wanted to get some of your ideas and see if anyone else has dealt with this scenario, especially after a head gasket repair such as mine. I'm not finding oil in coolant or vice versa, and don't see a leak, but what are the chances that the head gasket is blown again (end of the car)? Thanks for any help.

[misfitmaster]

I think it sounds pretty normal actually.If your HG was going again or something you'd know it,lol!It would heat up pretty quick especially while driving.When mine went in an old cougar I had I would drive about 10 minutes or so before the gauge was topped out! The reason your temp got up 3/4 before dropping could just be from the thermostat sticking a bit or maybe you was running it a bit harder,it heated up more before it opened up. At this point I wouldn't worry to much about it.Just keep an eye on it.Sounds pretty normal as I stated earlier. Good luck!