Engine gets warm quickly

[Tom]

I got the ol' Volvo out of the garage today, and I left the engine idling. For about 5 minutes, I had the choke on, and when I turned it off, the needle on the temperature gauge had just reached under the letter C. I then let the engine idle as normal for about 10 minutes, and when I returned the needle was halfway across the gauge, and the fan had started to kick in.
Is this normal or am I right in thinking there's gasket problems on the horizon?

Also, I noticed a small amount of oil on the garage floor, in the area positioned where the rear axle has been....

[wjp01908]

Sounds Ok

I`d worry if it kept going up and up. As long as it stays between middle and about 3/4 when the fan should kick in, it should be fine.

If your head gasket was on the way out there would probably be other symptoms

Fifteen or so minutes isn`t actually that fast and will seem like an age if you`re standing there waiting for it to get hot....

Re. your gearbox - why not just get under and check for leaks? Top up if required and keep an eye on it.

Will

[Volvo 360 GL B200K]

It'll be fine, try only using the choke for a few minutes as otherwise u'll just burn a load a fuel, make an awful petrol smell in your garage and to be honest it doesnt need that long, not at this time of the year anyway!

[Janitor]

my 360 goes to middle really quick too,but just stays there. if you live somewhere cold it is very good.plus it shows your thermostat is working correct.

[Duvel78]

It'll be fine, try only using the choke for a few minutes as otherwise u'll just burn a load a fuel, make an awful petrol smell in your garage and to be honest it doesnt need that long, not at this time of the year anyway!

Right, I use the choke only 10 sec at this time of the year, only for the start and then I push a little bit on the pedal to make the idling speed raise...