Beating a dead horse.....cooling questions

I have searched and read threads for a few hours the past 2 days. I honestly have even visited this issue 2 years ago when I got my timing belt, water pump replaced from dealership. Before the timing belt and all my temps ran around 175-180. After it runs 198-204. This is from my scan guage. The thermostat is 82 Celsius so roughly 180 f. I read about a few different things..
1. Thermostat jingle valve placement, I have read to put it towards top, 6 oclock and 3 oclock...LoL
2. Fan clutch
3. Radiator not flowing freely.
4. Hoses---however mine are new OEM and I see no collapsing
5. Temp sensor....does this send info to scan guage?


I read a few things on the fan clutch....some say it should easily be turned by hand when hot then I have read the opposite...LoL Not sure what is correct.

I also have a laser thermometer and I cannot find anywhere on the radiator that reads 200 degrees. Most I found was 187 at top of radiator. The bottom of the radiator is running about 130-150 degrees. I don't mind changing out all of the above parts considering I always enjoy doing things to my truck but I only have 125,000 miles and the truck is well taken care of. I just want some opinions. Not sure why this scan gauge drives me nuts.....LoL

 

I can answer one question, the fan should not turn easily when hot. When it's hot, the clutch will be engaged, so you spinning the fan by hand should be impossible as you are trying to spin the entire engine. Other than that, no clue but good luck

 

well it spins very easy when hot so maybe that's the problem....

 

Replaced fan clutch and radiator cap.....no difference....quess thermostat is next on the list