Where should the temp guage needle sit?

[Rich 89 Gr. Wag]

Under normal operating temperatures with no AC on, the temp guage needle sits right on the edge of the blue range. Only once has it gone past the halfway point; that was with AC on in 95 degree weather.

I'm wondering if the thermostat is bad.

[Don S]

Rich 89 Gr. Wag
Your gauges may only give a relative read and may show a different read with lower idle voltage or unusual wire resistance to the gauge. When the engine is fairly cool carefully remove the radiator pressure cap and then warm the system up then, with good thermometer in the radiator check the real temperature against what the gauge shows. It may not be as hot or cool as you thought.. A few more ideas about cooling are in the link below..
http://groups.msn.com/ATexasOklahomaJeepClub/ouraycotopic.msnw
I think your system just got warmer than the thermostat setting. but if the needle moved a lot the thermostat could have stuck closed.. ? CUL.. ;) ds..

[Bob Barry]

You mean it usually sits right at the top of the blue range, and has only once climbed past halfway? Perfect- that's exactly what it is supposed to do when the cooling system is in top shape. Just as long as it doesn't stay in the blue (that's too cold, reducing efficiency and accelerating wear).