ok i had a 160 stat in my car and it was runnin a lil cold for the winter so i put a 180 in it and by my gauge it shows the stat opening at the same spot as the 160. and it doesnt show it running any hotter than it did with the 160. but i know the gauge goes higher cause ill cut the fan off and ride a lil and the temp starts goin up. is the gauge a piece of junk or is the stat a piece of junk. any clues?

 

well if the guage goes up and down.. i think its still working..

stock guages are know to be alittle off.. you your heating up more than the 160 than it sounds like your fine.