stamp11127
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Doesn't sound like it is running long enough to heat the coolant to the point of opening the t stat. The radiator comes into play once the t stat opens.
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As far as radiator blockage goes, could I just remove upper and lower hoses, put my garden hose in upper and see how it flows out the lower?

I am also a geek as well as gearhead. I have resistors in my basementone way to check this would be to get a new sensor but don't install it just yet
connect it to the connector and see where your gauge reads if the gauge reads where it should be when its a cold engine then that would prove the original sensor is bad.
then with just having the new sensor connected try to put the sensor in some very hot water and see how the gauge reacts if everything then acts normal replace the sensor that's in the engine.
before doing this try to get the ohm reading on the new sensor