The Workhorse Isn't

want to thank everyone for posting all the ideas and possible solutions to the overheating problem i posted last month and all the parts/replacement that was done on our W22 8.1 workhorse engine. DH had a separate temp gauge installed as i reported he suspected we weren't getting a good reading from the dash gauge. it definitely does show a different reading--running from 218 to 224 at which time finally the clutch fan kicks in and successfully drops the temp somewhat. (this when climbing) never did get a chance to see if the hose was collapsing as was suggested, but DH noted that one hose had a spring insert and another didn't. hmmm. i feel that the engine is still running too warm to be good, but at the point we got the temp gauge installed and findlays was campaigning for us to replace the engine or look for a replacement (giving us $9k for our trade-in with the known problem), DH got disgusted with the whole thing and lit out for yuma. we made it to yuma and parked it, and that after driving the hills and having to stop to hook up the toad which quit while i was driving it on the way down. i'm still not feeling good about it; wouldn't trust it home, but DH feels better about it. not sure the problem has been resolved, but certainly mitigated, and perhaps a couple trips out this winter to exercise the vehicle will tell us more. in the meantime, wanted to thank everyone again.