2.3 DOHC motor - correct operating temp

[fixkick]

real nice work there ,testing the ECT reads perfectly
so now we know the 240F is real (sorry but that is now proven)
and that means out of control thermostat. if sure it's a J18 or J23 stat in there and not g16 then it is good, and not backwards and bleed hole is at top)
then it must be.
the out of control is caused by the fans do not blow enough air, if the engine runs at 180f moving fast then the fans are no good.(parked)
if 240f happens moving fast the radiator is too small, if there is plenty of fan flow, for sure below tested.
try running the AC condenser fan any time the 2 fans you added at the same time, for 3 fans at once both parked and moving to see if temps hold at 180f as they should.

240f is real we must work that cause now.
the ECT is placed i the hottest point in the loop.
the Thermostat is in the coldest spot in the cold end of the radiator. I actually sucks cool RAD coolant.
But the trick on this car is the hose /pipe that wraps the engine rear feeds hot coolant to the thermostat base. this must flow hottest coolant or the thermostat will fail.

I do hope you find out the cause, fans or rad sized wrong.
not sure here. not sure what 2.3L needs.