coolant temp flip flop w/ sensor change
 

My 94 GC has been giving me puzzles. The VIC has been claiming that the coolant temp sensor is broken.

I noticed that I couldn't get it to 210 while trying (driving like an idiot and having fun). For $9 I replaced it.

The new gauge now reads 220-225. Now, the VIC is happy, and stops the incessant screaming. Sadly, I know that the radiator is not even at boiling temp, as I took off the cap . The water was about 180, by my calibrated finger temp sensor.

It's running like crap. Missing at cruising speed and getting lousy mileage (17ish).

I have a feeling that the thermostat is not the right one. The return hose to radiator is flat, even when I am applying throttle under the hood.

On the plus side. While driving today, my VIC beeped to inform me that my driver's side door was now shut and for the first time "all was well". Green lights across the board. Well... for a moment.
it was a sweet moment though. sniff.

Are you sure you didn't reverse the thermostat? You can get a Stant Super-stat 195* (OE standard) at rockauto.com for $4.18 plus shipping totaling $7.43.

It sounds to me that the only flow you've got is thru the heater core, meaning the thermostat isn't opening. That would account for the high block temp and the low rad temp. Also why the upper rad hose is collapsing.

yep. That's what I am thinking. or the wrong T-stat entirely.

I haven't changed the Tstat. I am working through "previous owner problems" right now.

LMAO! I love your "calibrated finger temp sensor!" That's just like my Dad's "built in wrist torque wrench." Actually, he was pretty damn close! Guys used to kid me about how I could get the initial spark advance set by the way the starter sounded. If it struggled too much, it was too far advanced. I used to set the spark plug gap with the blade of my ignition key. (0.030")

I used to be the go-to guy for Carter AFB and Rochester Quadrojet carbs. I even worked on the older Carter WCFB 4 bbl. carbs on the 50's Mopars. Most of this stuff is useless now because nobody but classic car buffs work with carburetors anymore.

my upper hose is doin the same in a 95 ZJ with new water pump new thermostat knowing its put in the right way today it had some antifreeze in it but still felt flat why

Still identical temp on gauge
 

Ran it to work this morning. Same temp displayed.

I guess it's time to take the motor's temp with the laser digital thing and see what we are looking at.

maybe the hose came apart and collapsed internally? It doesn't look old or decayed. No tools here to wrench on it in the parking lot.

On the plus side, the heater works really good.