So, I replaced temp gauge, flushed radiator thoroughly and installed new 195 degree thermostat in addition to replacing eletric fan with new upgraded Black Dog mechanical fan.
Now temperature gauge sits just under 180 degrees unless I push engine hard in 90's+ outside temps - where it gets around 200 degrees.
I have checked radiator/ thermostat housing temps w/ infrared and - other than a hot spot at the top of radiator - the gauge temp seems close to what infrared is telling me. The hot spot is 10-15 degrees hotter, which concerns me. Is that normal? When I got my gauge up to 195 or so, I pulled over and immediately opened hood and checked temp with infrared. Everything was in the 190-195 range, except hotspot, which was 208-9. It is the solid (not fins) metal outside top edge of radiator - and just a small area.
My concern about temps is centered around my gauge showing 175-180 degrees in normal driving conditions (60 MPH in 80-90 degree weather) when I would think thermostat would hold it at 195-200 degrees. If that is the case, then the hot spot may be accurate temp and 175-180 on temp gauge may actually be 195-200 in reality...
What do you think?