Regular operating temp has increased

[Perfectlap]

When in doubt flatbed it to the specialist. When my waterpump went, luckily right next to a gas station, I had it towed to the my independent specialist right from there. My insurance (Progressive) covered the cost.

I'm wondering if you don't have air in your system that might be creating heat surges.

If you start fresh, make sure you have the pink coolant, don't top off with the off the shelf stuff, get a new coolant tank and make sure you have the 2004 coolant cap. And I wouldn't recommend trying to burp it (needless hassle), get it done with the Airlift.