As soon as i turn my key and start the engine my temp goes straight to the halfway point on the gauge even if it's first start in the morning.

I know that the non dual stage t-stat's are known to cause temp gauge overshoot but i thought that usually shows as overheating after a few min run time, this is instant and never past the half way mark.

Any ideas?

 

It sounds like your sender is being grounded and causing the spike right off the bat. Check the wires for your temp sender and see if any of the insulation has rubbed off.

 

Could also be a bad sender or loose connection on the back of the gauge cluster.

 

I will check the connector at the temp sender (the sender for the gauge is located around intake for cyl 3 correct?)

How does the temp sender work? if it's disconnected does the gauge show full cold? and if it's grounded does it show full hot?