no exhaust gas in the coolant is a great sign. Yes, you can get hot from being lean. If one of the previous owners thoughts it was wise to run only water in the radiator, you're radiator is gonna clog and not be able to cool worth a flip. If a new STOCK radiator doesn't fix it, check fan clutch, shroud, fan, thermastat, radiator cap, and waterpump.
If you're not bubbling, and the gauge just looks hot, it might be the gauge. Also, you could just be a bit paranoid, let it idle and heat up fully, whatever is shown is normal.
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