heating issue.. need opinions

17 lbs is a little high but if you didn't have it you'd probably be boiling over. I usually run a 13lb. I would verify if the gauge is working properly as stock ones can be way off. Mine in my Cuda is way off (nearly pegged at 180) and it's not the sender cause I tried 3 of them. Nevertheless if the gauge is climbing at idle it has to be heating up some at least.