When I read your first post and you said "I was thinking it ws time to let her go" I thought you were refering to the Mrs !!. Good luck with whatever you go for next..
Fit the stubby and see the difference. Worth a try for £13. Zippypooz refused but when I got one for him and fitted it two weeks ago he completely agreed with me and wondered why he didnt do it sooner. Do it....
Mine went into limp mode out of the blue a few months ago but it was becuase a rad hose came lose. I take it there is no engine management light coming on etc ?.