Background:

Up until recently she ran rock steady at 190 (just under center mark) Now it runs about 216 (first notch over center) and moves up and down a few degrees within that spot. It has about 12000 miles to go before it needs timing belt done.

Q:

Anyone had this issue? If i need to change something like the waterpump or thermostat I might as well go ahead and do the timing belt right? Just wondering if maybe it could be the electric fan not going into HI or some such thing? (does it have two stages?)

 

Well when does it fluctuate? If the temperature is dropping while you are moving, but rises when you are stopped the thermostat is most likely to blame. As long as its not running something crazy like 250+ then you can run with it until the T belt needs to be done, but when you get in there make sure to flush the system, and change the thermostat and water pump. Those crappy water pumps only last 100k max.