like Kip sez, depends on where you measure it, and the gauge on my 57 [235] also barely registers when it's up to temp, and the only time I've seen it higher is once when the rad hose sprung a leak and the water level went way down - the gauge went to about 3/4 and I knew there was a problem
the water is what counts - 235's in my experience run as cold as the thermostat allows - withut one it'll run too cold, with a 160 it'll stay right around 160, a 180, around 180 - what's important is you have a thermostat and the water temp runs about the themp of that when warmed up, then look at the gauge and you'll have an idea what it means .... they're not presision instruments even when new
Bill
