Replaced HG, still overheating???

[Wileyk24]

Ok so no change in the radiator fluid level. The overflow bottle dipped slightly, less than an inch. The car is not overflowing coolant onto the ground either.

So today I decided to test the thermostat. I took it out, checked the bottom an it is a 195 degree tstat. I proceeded to boil it and with a thermometer found it wasn't opening until well after 200 degrees. Brand new unit, not functioning properly. So I went to autozone to get a new one and the system said I needed a 180 degree stat. So I bought it and took it home and boiled it. The new one open as it should and seemed to open easier than the last. Time to install.

I installed the new tstat, topped off all fluids and took her for a test drive. Good news, I made it a lot further than just one block. I actually drove all around town and on the highway. The car felt good, but my temperature gauge is settling at 3/4 the way up the temp gauge and staying there. Regardless of how I am driving.

So when the car is idling the temp gauge stays right in the middle. Once I start driving city or highway it goes up to 3/4 and stays there. Once it is up there it won't come down until I shut off the car, even at stop signs it stays up there. But once the car is off, I turn the key back on so the gauges are powered and the temp gauge sits at slightly under halfway which is perfect...

Anybody experience this before?