At my wits end, motor getting hot. Input please

[lil hoodlum]

I want to thank everyone for reading that massive wall of text and replying.


Water pump is the short variety and I do believe it is working as it pressurizes the radiator hoses when motor is running. When not running, easy to pinch the hoses close, not nearly possible when running. However I do have another new water pump in my parts stash.

Radiator cap is new, came with the new radiator. It is a believe rated at 9 PSI, but not 100% certain.

I am certain I have installed the thermostat correctly. Have installed it wrong before. LOL

I changed out the 3 inch fan spacer for a 1.5 inch one because it seemed the fan was too far in the shroud. New spacer hasn't had any affect on motor temp.

First pics with 3 inch spacer.
Other pics with 1.5 inch spacer.