Temp gauge doesn't go passed 160ish

[95Z71Mike]

My gauge was reading 160ish when hot so I tested the gauge itself by grounding it and if goes all the way passed 260, so I know it works.
So I changed my sending unit between the 1 and 3 plug. And let it idle 5 min, it barely got warm. So I took it for a drive for around 5 min and it went to 160 and never got any higher. But did drop to under the first big line (150?)

Did I not drive it long enough? It was 85* last night when I did it.

What else is there to check?

 

[df2x4]

To be honest mine don't usually read much higher than that, they only get up to around 190 or so if I really beat on them or if it's extremely hot outside.

 

[thz71]

I saw 210 all day yesterday towing all day and it was hotter than heII

 

[96Z71ECSB]

You didn't say what temp range thermostat is in the truck.
It acts like there is a 160 degree thermostat in it.
If it is a 160 degree thermostat, then the temps you're seeing are normal.

 

[95Z71Mike]

Yeah sorry, a 195 that I changed a couple months ago.

I did drill (2) 5/16" holes in it to let the air out easier.

 

[eisterd]

My gauge reads low too but, when I look at on my scanner, it's around 185.