Hi all, I had a nice 2.0si many, many years ago, and have just bought a nice little 1.8td estate over the weekend. It's done 146000 miles, cam belt changed at 126k, no idea of service history past 2006 though (50k miles)

It runs lovely, not too good up the side of a Welsh mountain (I read they have around 90bhp so that would explain a lot - big old barge), but I have two relatively (hopefully) minor issues if someone can help.

It's a slug to start - it sounds like it's really struggling to turn over from cold, but it's not too bad when it's been on a run. New battery, alternator performing properly - could this just be glow plugs? I've not got any experience with diesels

Also, the temp sensor goes to midway after about a 15 mins run, and sits nicely.....unless you go downhill, when the temp drops all the way to nothing. The fluid levels are good, so I thought either coolant temp sensor or thermostat?

Thanks guys - go gentle on me!