Strange Thermostat Behavior

When I start the Willys after sitting overnight, the thermostat runs up to about 215 degrees, then after the thermostat opens up the temp gauge drops and it runs consistently between 160 and 170 degrees for the rest of the day.  It did this on the old thermostat as well as the new one.  It sits at 215 degrees for only a moment but this seems pretty hot for the motor.  Any ideas on why this happens and how to fix it?    

yes sounds like its in backwards or its sticky but if your previous thermostat did the same thing i would suspect backwards

Checked out the thermostat and it is installed pointy side up, flat side (with temp rating on brass plunger) pointing down.  However I did not see the 1/8" relief hole in the base.  Whereabouts should it be located?  

Thanks.  I'll check the opening temp later.  I was looking at some thermostat photos and noticed that some have the base of the thermostat on top of the metal sleeve inside the cast housing.  My thermostat base was sitting on the block.  But I also saw some photos with the thermostat the way I had it installed.  Which is correct?

John, it sounds like you have it upside down. So the temperature sensing part of the thermostat would be above the opening valve, and therefore isolated from the hot water. This would cause the water to get way too hot before the valve opens.