What the normal temperature operating range indicated on the temp gauge?

I guess that depends on what 3/4 is temperature-wise. Engines normally operate in the 180-210 degree F range depending on the thermostat and whether there is a mechanical or electric fan. Mechanical fans keep the temperature more stable. If you feel that after what you have done that the temperature indication is still too high, the issue may be with the sending unit for the temp gauge or the gauge itself. Have the coolant temperature checked with a second temp device if possible, otherwise, try the sending unit first and see what happens.

Possible bad sending unit or shorted sending unit wiring.

If your temp gauge has only the cold (C) or hot (H) letters then the operating range would be the width of the needle under 1/2 way between c and h. If it remains steady at slightly over 1/2 way that would be just the setting of the gauge. How to get to know where the needle would sit at a specific position in relation to water temp. Do the following
Remove the temp sender unit and attach an earth wire to the body of the unit to earth. Place the sender unit in a container of water up to the threads .Put a mercury thermometer in the container beside the sender unit Apply heat to the container and watch the gauge needle move in relation to the thermometer reading. Operating temp will be about 80 degrees C on the thermometer and that would be about 1/2 way on the gauge.

Sounds normal. If the gauge moved further over, it would indicate an overheating problem, wouldn't it? Check that engine is at normal operating temperature after it warms up. If it is running too cold, your thermostat might be stuck open.

when the car is at operating temp touch the heater hoses they should be the same temperature if not the heater core is plugged up and will have to be replaced.make sure the temperature door is working properly when going from cold to hot.if the door is not moving or not moving its full range it can cause this.

It could be a plugged heater core or heater control problem. I assume the blower is working, but the air is cold. The first thing to check is the coolant level, make sure there is coolant in the resivoir. Next see if the temerature gauge reaches the normal operating temperature range. If the gauge reads cold most of the time, it would tell you that the thermsotat is faulty and not allowing the engine to reach full operating temperature. If your car doesn't have a temp gauge, the blue cold engine light might stay on for an extended period of time. The thermostat is supposed to not allow coolant flow in the radiator until the engine reaches operating temperature. If you drive the car for a couple of minutes, from cold start, the radiator or upper hose should be cool until the engine reaches operating temp.

To test your new thermostat, do the following
1. Make sure your heater is off.
2. Start your engine and allow it to run for 6 to 8 minutes so it can reach the normal operating temperature.
3. Turn your heat tmperature select all the way up, and then turn the fan on high. You should hear the thermostat click when it opens up to circulate the coolant through the system. You may also notice your temperature gauge reading lowering.

The only pressure you may have in the radiator/cooling system is very minimal and caused by the coolant heating up.Whenever pressure starts building , it is purposefully relieved through your coolant reserviors overflow hose. Thats why you should never fill your coolant reservior all the way up. It needs to have 3 or 4 inches to allaw for expansion.

I hope this helps you.

Normal engine operating tempurature can vary from 180 to 220 degrees depending on the age of your car and what kind of modifications it's had done to it.
Your 01 Escape is going to be normal in the 200 to 220 range.

either thermostat or water pump impeller drive shaft

is the temp gauge sender new
or the engine cooling fans spinning fast enough
air in the heating pipes ? bleeding