Got a 180* stat from Napa and this is operating temp .. Seems low to me. Any input on this? Defective thermostat?

 

I should also add the interior heat feels just like before.. Hotter than I like. Lol

 

Has that gauge always been true? Is this unreasonable temp reading recent? Can you verify the water temp indication with a real thermometer? Did you do a flush and fill but forgot to "burp" the system? And isn't a 180 degree T-stat too low for your engine? I thought it was supposed to be a 195...

 

Gauge has always read true. I checked it's about 140 on the t stat housing with a thermal gun. They sell a 160, 180 and 195 stat for the 5.2

 

Oh...so this isn't your 95 Cherokee?

 

Nope this is my DD ZJ, my bad. 5.2L 94 ZJ

 

AFAIK, you should be using a 195* thermo. That will ensure the PCM sets the proper mixtures.