1974 280C M110 Operating Temperature Question

[dquance]

Folks:After improving the running of my Garage Queen by re-torquing the carb and cleaning the coil connections, the operating temperature has increased.

I had also replaced the viscous clutch and removed the condenser which had most fins bent restricting airflow.

I have the OE thermostat, 189 F, 87 C installed.

When warm and driving the gauge is reading at the unmarked line between 175 and 250 F.

I have seen conflicting info that the line is either 194 F (90 C) or 212 F (100 C).

The spacing on the gauge does not place that line at the midpoint, it is closer to the 175 mark.

Two questions:

1) is that an appropriate operating temperature, or should I install a lower thermostat.

2) What is the definitive temperature of that line on the gauge.

TIA

--
SANTÉ
Doug Quance