looks like the thermostat was at fault, i remember buying a mr.gasket brand stat now, and it even has 180 stamped on it. installed a 195 stat (stant) and it runs much warmer now, but will prob switch it out for a 185 as my fan setup is causing the fan to run constantly at 195. 185 should work with my current fan thermostatic switch.......hopefully?
The Mr Gasket stats earned a reputation for problems... though the one I had for a while was fine. 180 degrees is a standard temp and probably fine for your application. A standard 180 stat from the AP store should do well unless you are running a high volume water pump. With high volume pump a high flow stat is recommended. I am currently running the Milodon high flow 180 stat from Mancini w/o issue.
