Well, you got the "jumble" part right. That was very hard to read, bordering on incomprehensible.
@rustedwrench
"Instead of jumping around randomly, think about what is different between engine cold and engine warmed up."
This is a hell of a good post...thanks.
I installed a large ball valve in the heater hose just for such a check. The thermostat was NOT heating up enough to open before overheating occurred. A lot of what you say is part and parcel to the problem and all your tests were tried.
Now that it runs normal with a 180F. stat and 13 lb.lift cap...on reflection, I believe you had a better overall picture of what was occurring.
Thanks again.
