Engine Temp Question

I have a 1998 2 door 4wd. For many years now the engine temp gauge on the dash would always read low at about 155-160 degrees. I'm running a 180 degree thermostat. Just last week I changed the temp sensor on the drivers side head (the temp sensor on the thermostat housing was changed about a year ago). Now the temp gauge is reading about 235-240 degrees while cruising on the interstate. I've hooked up a scanner to the OBD2 port while running and it reads 180 degrees (computer reads from the sensor on the thermostat). Should this discrepancy between temperature readings be any cause for concern? I may just reinstall my old temp sensor on the head which was closer to being correct. Would be nice to have a correctly functioning gauge...

I would take it back for an exchange. May be a faulty sensor.

You answered your own question, change it back.

I put the old sensor back in and its reading about 150 degrees. Thermostat is 180 degrees and that is what the computer is telling me its seeing from sensor on thermostat housing. I guess I'll try and send the new sensor back to Rock Auto and try a new one. Think the only selection with one pin is the one I got. Its the airtex wells brand. Crap...