On my 1980 300sd we just replaced the coolant, had the radiator rodded out, aux water pump changed, new thermostat, new water pump, and new hoses. Compared to my other cars it is running hotter than I feel it should. I have a 82,83,and 84 and they all run around 80 to 85. I am using an infrared gun to check these temps so I know it is not the gauge. What mite be left to change. I have checked the thermostat and I did not put it in backwards. The top of the radiator is 96. These are in C. not F

Did you use a 90C thermostat?

Sure you bleed all the air out of the system properly. Some times air pockets can be tough to get out on a 617.

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1985 300TD Turbo Euro-wagon
1979 280CE 225,200 miles
1985 300D Turbo 264,000 miles
1976 240D 190,000 miles
1979 300TD 220,000

GONE but not forgotten
1976 300D 195,300 miles
1983 300D Turbo 175,000 miles

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...e485-1-2-1.jpg

The thermostat had an 80 imbedded in the metal and I ordered an eighty. The hottest was the top of the radiator and the housing where the thermostat goes into the block. What is the best way to check for a airpocket

If you have hot air with the heater, there's coolant in the heater core and you probably don't have an air bubble.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13