3 weeks ago, didnt even make 1.5 mile from ramp, temp showed 220, no gaurdian mode, i shut it down instantly, sat for a little bit, then thermostat opened up, temp dropped, the rest of the day, 190.
i will verify with temp gun. where do i take the temp at with gun?

220 and no fault / warning horn and NO guardian mode nor limiting rpms ? could you rest your hands on the exhaust risers at that gauge temp reading ? You have problems if in fact you were at 220 degrees and still able running above 1500 rpms

temp gun - exhaust risers and t stat housing and coolant temp sensor and heat exchanger areas

alarm was going off,radio was too loud. i shut it down immediately, did not touch risers, but the hoses were pressured up. i have been in gaurdian mode before
so i know what its like. like i said before, im just doing what i can do, if this doesnt work, then off to the shop it goes. i am changing thermostat, new water temp sensor,
change out coolant, was gonna change any other sensors if i needed to. pretty much everything else has been in the shop.

ok, last question i promise, i am in the process of putting it all back together. after tightening the two bolts for the thermostat housing, the heat exchanger doesnt feel like its sealing. once the bolts are tight, is it normal to be able to pull exchanger off? what did i do wrong?

There are two large hose clamps that go around the entire heat exchanger and crossover. That's what holds It down. They are mandatory.

Also, before you refill and button it up, replace the grommets that the heat exchanger fits down into. They are a very common leak/failure point.

thats exactly what i was referring to, before i put the hose clamps on, is it normal for exchanger to have wiggle room, or have any play in it?

i just thought it would be a tighter seal

Replace the grommets. It will be tighter which is crucial.

yes sir, the first thing tomorrow morning going to get some. thank you so much!!