heating issue.. need opinions

I use a digital thermal temp gun to check the operating temp and compare it against the gauge. Alot easier than hooking up a new gauge to verify if the old gauge is correct. The thermostat housing is generally within a couple degrees of the actual temp. so all you have to do is aim the temp gun at it and shoot and it tells you the temp. I picked up my temp gun on E-bay for $40 shipped. Real good one too, not a cheapie.