Odd interior heat/engine temp issue.

[lush90]

I didn't consider a low coolant level when I suggested a fan clutch, but temperature gain at low speed is a common symptom of a bad fan clutch. Your full reservoir with low volume in the radiator would make me check the hose between the two, making sure it is allowing passage in either direction. I would also re torque head bolts before replacing head gasket. My $.02!

[leftfield6]

I didn't consider a low coolant level when I suggested a fan clutch, but temperature gain at low speed is a common symptom of a bad fan clutch. Your full reservoir with low volume in the radiator would make me check the hose between the two, making sure it is allowing passage in either direction. I would also re torque head bolts before replacing head gasket. My $.02!

Hose is good between the expansion tank and the radiator. And there is absolutely exhaust smell in the coolant. But, I'll give retorqueing the head bolts a try. I don't think the heads been off before, but I have really no way of knowing.

Maybe the same knucklehead who screwed up the timing belt did the head gasket!