2 weeks ago I replaced my radiator hoses and the thermostat with a factory one. Noticed radiator neck where the upper hose attaches was deteriorating. No leaks but started looking into a koyo. One week later upper seal of radiator starts leaking. Got a used stock replacement, pressure tested and installed.

Temperatures here in florida have been cold recently.

Something I've noticed since the hose replacemnet is that my stock temp gauge was reading lower than normal, somtimes just over the the cold marks.

Todays weather was warmer so I expected the to see the gauge sitting at the 9 oclock position. ( this is where the gauge has sat since day one.) The gauge fluctuated from about 8 at the most down to just above the cold lines as I drove in stop and go and traffic. I would watch the temp rise slightly as I accelerated through traffic but the gauge would drop back down to just above the cold mark.

My concern is that either the thermostat is not working properly ( it is installed correctly), something may be blocking coolant flow through the radiator or engine not allowing circulation or the water pump may not be circulating.

I came home after being in traffic for an hour, RPM's usually sitting around 3-4000 in traffic, popped the hood listened to some purculating near the turbos and noticed the exhaust manifold was dimly glowing orange.

Any thought on this would be appreciated.

Mods are non sequential, KN filter, Down pipe, MP w borla and RB dual.

 

Get an after market temp guage. These things do not usually run cold.