I would use OEM parts, not after market as this sort of thing can happen and cause problems.
Sounds like you need a different hose for the replacement housing.
A thermostat should only allow flow after reaching its desired temp, 195, however, if this is just idling and you have a brand new aluminum 4 core radiator then it may really not be reaching temp and reading low because of no load and a great radiator. I assume top of the intake manifold is where your temp sender is? Did you use a laser infra red temp reader and point it at the block in several spots? You may see175, 185, etc all over the side of the eng. The neck of the thermostat housing should be the closest to 195 but the lower hose might read 140 / 150. Alum radiators work awesome so when that thermostat does open it's a rush of cooler coolant. What is it doing when you drive steadily @ 40 - 50 mph? If the gauge reads say 140 and just fluctuates slightly from that then I would say yes, replace the thermostat. If your gauge shows it now reaching temperature then it's just that your radiator is doing a helluva job when it idles. BTW, electric fans? On a switch or temp sender? Or mechanical fan always pulling air even at idle?
Hope this helps
follow upper radiator hose to aluminum housing this is where the thermostat is. be sure engine is cool remove radiator cap or reservoir cap if no cap on radiator disconnect upper hose from thermostat housing. remove two bolts in housing and remove housing. replace thermostat and reassemble. when finished refill anti- freeze leave cap off and start vehicle with heat on high. run the vehicle like this until air stops bubbling out of coolant and heat is hot steadily. continue topping off coolant during this process and be sure cooling fans engage before completion. then youre all done
follow the top rad hose to the engine under the housing you will find the tstat usualy with two bolts remove and gently pry the housing up and away replace the thermostat clean away all gasket material and sealents install new gasket and reinstall housing crefull that the housing seats flush on the block do not go crasy tourquing the bolts down this is usualy an aluminum housing and will break easily
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