looking for ford zetec 1.6 engine problems?

Question

cutting out and temp. gauge comes on and of, has a mind of its own

Answer 1

Try your local scrap yards. or get it checked out at your local garage, not the main dealer.

Answer 2

The mixture and temp gauge are both working from a temp sensor feeding the ECU, I'd say a good place to look is wiring to the temp sensor, maybe change it... maybe the ECU, but i hope not, they are expensive. that 1.6 Zetec is a lovely engine usually.