70 has a problem with the temp creeping up

Next I'd check the thermostat, remove it and but in a pot of water on the stove with a thermometer. If it's 180degF it should start opening around 175 and be fully open at 185 also it should be stamped usually on the bottom of the bulb with a 180. When you said you installed the new water pump is it a high flow pump by chance.

Terry

Standard pump. I know the stat functions properly also because I always check them before I install them.