Seems like a pretty stable temp range.Before you install a T-stat.Take the cap off the rad.Run the car cold and see if you have good flow through the radiator(blockage concerne).If it overflowes out the top of the radiator withooout a T-stat in it the rad you have an air pocket or blockage somewhere.If it doesnt,put a new T-stat in it(after drilling a 1/8th inch hole in its face)Clock the T-stat so the hole you drilled is At the 12 o'clock position.burp the system and see what happens when you drive it.Are you running straight coolant??? or a 50/50 mix.Straight coolant will run hotter(7 to 10 deg.)It does not reject heat well on its own.If you dont encounter freezing temps in your area you can get away with a 70% water mix to coolant and be fine other wise go 50/50.Good luck.
Ok, I checked the flow w/o the t-stat and is was good, so I put a different t-stat in and i purged the system of air. It actually idled good at about 183, so I let it cool down and took it for a drive. It is still getting hot. I only went about 3 miles at 50 mph and I had to stop in a parking lot and let it cool down before I could make it home. By the time I was parked in the driveway, it was almost at 230. This is getting very aggravating and frustrating, and I'm not sure what else to do.
Could be an air pocket as Dan stated.How did you fill/purge the system???did you drill a hole in the new T-stat before install(It isnt necessary,just makes it purge air a bit easier)
I forgot to drill the hole, but twice I have run the car with the cap off and the heater on full blast.
