ok ive just been back out in the car and after a bit of abuse the highest temp i saw on the gauge was 105oC (made sure i didn't read the gauge from side on this time!)

to be honest its only a cheap (second hand ) gauge ~£20 so im hoping that it must be a few degrees out.

the only reason i have it is to see when the car has warmed up to operating temp i don't need specific temps really.

maybe i should just buy some decent gauges! lol