hopefully i can help, what was the motor in before you swapped it or was it sitting awhile if your top hose is not firm my sugg. would be pull out your thermostat and check it actually i wouldnt even check it i would go to napa and buy a new one for $5-10 bucks and take the 15-20 mins and replace it, different motors will read differently on gauges im assuming your running hotter than it says