overcooling?

My '94 Ford Tempo has a small issue. if you just start the engine and drive, the engine never gets over the 1st line on the gauge unless going up a lot of hills, but I used a non contact thermometer on top hose, and that indicates the thermostat is working at about 160* kind of odd, as that's a low temp. letting the car idle, the motor will get to 190-200* and the needle goes to 1/2. at this point the fan and everything comes on just as it should. driving the car, it will remain in the middle for a while, but eventully will rest on the second line, at about 180*. I'm getting another thermostat tomorrow just to rule that out 100%. radiator was replaced and this 1 was a junkyard radiator, it's good but dosn't quite fit right, if this was a 6cyl rad, could this do that?

matt thats typical of the tempo to run a bit cool.... the thermostat is a 160* which generally isn't stock but i dont know for sure.... they do make them though.... the heating up at idle is normal because of the switched electric fan.... i wouldn't worry about it though.... the biggest issue with it running on the cool side is the heater getting warm enough for the winter.... i'd switch it to a 180 degree thermostat if she doesn't want to blow hot enough..... also watch it on that fan.... those electric fans ford used to use dont always want to switch on at the right temp, sometimes only after the vehicle is already too hot, and most parts makers cant seem to get the right temp on the switch.... so you sooner or later might have to put an actual toggle on the fan

What is the top hose made of? You can't get a reliable water temperature with that thermometer if the thermal resistance of the hose is not negligible.

Kitz

heater gets nice and warm, about 160- 190* air temp. I did buy the correct 195* thermostat today, have yet to install. The top hose is still the factory hose, standard rubber it look like.

my 2000 monte carlo is real cold all winter.
i should put in a warmer thermostat

yup might make the heater keep ya a bit warmer