anyone using 180 t-stat?

[BIGGSIE]

Need some help. I bought this car wath a stuck open t-stat so it would not warm up too good, now I have installed a 180 t-stat and my guage reads 3/4 on the hot side. I have no air in system,new cap, no bad head gasket, and no leaks so I used a thermometer to double check the t-stat and it is at 179 so it is working properly. Anyone know how to test the temp. sending unit? Or do our guages just make it look hot? Since the stock t-stat is 195 I would think that it would register even higher, wich would almost put it in the red zone. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[BUCK]

I'm not so sure I understand where your gauge indication is running from your description but On MY gauge the car normally runs at the left side of the little Icon that is at the top center of the gauge - if the indicator gets to straight up (middle of the Icon) my radiator fan (passenger side) kicks on as told to by the Thermoswitch at the bottom passenger side of radiator - to check that you would have to remove it - immerse in water over 187 degrees & check fo continuity - that thermoswitch goes on at 187 & stays on until 172 - I would not pull that switch if your fans are coming on as you can break a radiator getting it out - $$. Does your fan EVER come on when you get it hotter than 187?

The gauge sending unit is in the Thermostat Housing. The link below has check out procedures for Temp Sensors:

http://www.vfaq.com/FAQlocator-index.html

BTW - I'm running a 185 degree Thermostat - it seems like somewhere I saw that was the reccommended minimum temp Thermostat because at lower temps than 185 your ECU still thinks the engine is still cold & tells the Fast Air Idle Valve in your Throttle Body to stay on when you are at less than 180 - SOOOOO you'd be running around idling rich all the time IF your engine actually ran at 180... That is why you have to set base idle at 185 - plus - & NOT when the engine is cold. Someone please correct me here if I'm wrong.