Changed my radiator and thermostat and have since been having a cooling issue. When I have the a/c on, the temp gauge reaches between 100 and 120 degrees, about in the middle. What is the temp the car should be running at? It's hotter than heck out and humid here in Miami. When I removed and re-installed the new themostat (Behr), it came with two rubber gaskets. I only used one, the round one with the hole. I couldn't figure out what the other one was for because I didn't have to remove one. Don't know if that has anything to do with it. Also, I have opened the reservoir a couple times and air has been coming out. The last time I opened it, I couldn't hear any air popping out.

When I changed the radiator, I did not flush the block and there are tiny pieces of orange floating in the reservoir. Is there a problem with the thermostat or could it be the water pump? I'm not a mechanic and don't understand how everything interacts. I am planning on having the whole system flushed but am wondering what the issue is.

Where would you recommend I start, if anywhere? I think that is too hot for a motor to be running regularly. I probably shouldn't have replaced the thermostat. If it ain't broken, don't fix it! Thanks, Lance