Temp guage usually sits just below 1st hash mark but is going up almost to 2nd mark. Has plenty of coolant & no leaks. What would cause this? Sticking thermostat? Both rad hoses are hot. Going through mountains in the morning. need info. thanks!!

First hash mark I believe is 200? 2nd mark is pretty hot. That'* not normal. I'd say the thermostat would be the culprit. Can't say as I have EVER seen anyone on here with a bad water pump.

Do you know if the cooling system has ever been flushed?

Yes it was flushed about a year ago & thermostat was replaced.

Thermostats I think run about $5-8. Gasket, $3. I would say its worth the small investment to replace that thermostat. Much cheaper than stranded on the highway with a cracked block.

On another note. Tis the season for BILLIONS of bugs. Inspect your front radiator for clogging of dead bugs etc.

Unfortunately I'm in the middle of nowhere & the only parts store closed at noon & won't open till Monday. The closest one is 35 miles so I'll go get parts in the morning & change it. Like you said, it'* worth a shot & once it'* cooled down it won't take long to do. I'll follow up later. Thanks.

Ok, please do keep us posted.

found advance auto tonight. Will change stat in the morning. thanks.

Fixed thermostat & thought all was well at first. Temp would fluctuate between normal & about 1/3 way between the two middle marks (230-240?). Would shut ac off to keep it closer to normal. Then going a a steep grade ( I64 in Va) RPM shot up to 5k (was on cruise) . Transmission was slipping so I dropped to 3rd. Made it up hill & about 4 miles later I found an exit & stopped to cool off. I didn't stop sooner because there wasn't a good place & temp had gone down & trans was shifting normal. Trans fluid checked ok & everything else looked good. I found a car wash & cleaned the rad off. Started again & at the next steep grade I watched the RPM & slowed down & downshifted when it started slipping. Ended up in 2nd gear but we made it. It did this one more time but not as bad. The 2nd hill was the worst. Once we were in flatter country ( relatively speaking) it did better & we made it home. Now I need to figure out what to do about the tranny. Do you think it'* toast?

I don't think its toast. When the fluid turns dark and has a burnt smell to it, then she'* bye bye.

2 things I can suggest.
1. Get an external trans cooler. Jcwhitney.com, autozone and the other big guys should have them.
2. Drain, replace filter in your trans. I have heard of the trans unlocking the torque converter to reduce heat, but slipping in 2nd? SGP358 is our resident trans Dr.

ARe you towiing something?