My point is the factory wants and rigs the temp gauge needle to move very little even though the actual normal coolant temp is spread over a wide range (40-50 degree swing). Virtually everyone that posts says the XJ is designed to run at 210F (because that's where the factory gauge needle sits) but the OP said his gauge was at/below the 1/4 mark. All I said was something is not right with your gauge. Now that I know it's dead of winter where the OP lives, I'll add to my original post that IF his gauge is correct, his factory t-stat is stuck open, non-existent or may be a 160F.

 

I think you're correct on all points..

 

well thanks guys for your help, ill have a look at the t/stat tomorow, (day off), i didnt mean to start an argument lol, but ill let you no the results, i no somthing isnt right either so the t/stat will be the first thing i look into

 

Keep us posted with what u find out. I don't think we're arguing, just maybe having some slight differences of opinions. None of us are perfect - if we were, we wouldn't own XJs and post on Jeep forums. LOL