Semi-overheating?

[CoBeerToad]

Finally was able to pull the pump and thermostat. Pump looks and sounds good. Tested the thermostat and it started opening at 182 degrees and from what I could tell, was fully open at 195. (Not easy to tell what is "fully open" in a pot of water.

Radiators are cleaned and both fans operate at low and hi speed. Radiator cap is the 04 series and coolant level has stayed right where it supposed to be.

What could be causing my needle to sit on zero instead of 8 like it used to? I'm running out of ideas. Because it happened all of a sudden, I'm doubtful that the coolant all of a sudden decided to quit working. (I'm really running out of ideas obviously.) All I can think of is there is a minor blockage in the motor, but where it is and what caused it is beyond me.

The thump I heard was not caused by the center mount. Pulled that also, and it appears to be in good shape after 92,000 miles. Seems a bit odd as according to the well documented history of the car, this was never replaced.

I'm open to any ideas. I'm replacing the thermostat with the upgrade so while that may make the needle sit on 8 again, there obviously must be some other issue somewhere and I'd rather not leave it to chance.