55.2-59 Original Temp sender and location

[nail pounder]

I reused my original temp sender from the 235 I6 in a gen 1 350 with a 190 T -stat. I installed it in the intake manifold because it was the incorrect size for the cylinder 1/3 head boss. The gauge says I'm running hot, way hotter than the old 235 ever got. Not sure about the accuracy, but I used my infrared temp gun to check various locations. At operating temp, the gauge reads about 3/4 towards the hot side. Infrared gun says 194 at the thermostat housing, 180 on the upper hose, 170 on the lower hose and 202-204 on the heads. Did engines run cooler in the old days or is the location of my sender giving me higher readings? I don't want to put too much faith in the infrared gun, but everything seems normal, no sign of overheating. Maybe 3/4 on the hot side is my new "normal" and I just need to get used to seeing it that high. Thoughts?

[nail pounder]

Thanks for the info, lol. Came to my own conclusion and just in case anyone gives a crud, here's the results. Not sure why I didn't think of this before posting a question but I took my 66 c20 out for an hour in 90° weather. Same motor, but temp sender in in the 1/3 head. It always reads on the cold side of midway. Checked the engine in in various locations with the infrared gun and had similar results. My conclusion is, the infrared gun is surprising accurate for checking the engine temp, my new normal for the 58 is 3/4 hot and the intake manifold temp has more fluctuation therefore not the best location. Maybe my sender is on its way out also, who knows.