Clois,
Hang in there buddy! I'm sure you have lots of company on this web site with those who have had a problem that cost 10 times what they planned, took 10 times longer than neccessary to figure out, and raised their blood pressure to the temp. of your cooling system.
Rest assured when you solve this, as you surely will (Use this formula (TIME + MONEY)/ Patience = ANSWER), the answer will most likely be quite simple and probably inexpensive. I have been there my friend.
I concur with Cobra Ed, check your static timing (Or set the timing at a less radical degree and see if it makes a difference). Is your pump turning the correct rotation? You said the expansion tank read 200 deg. Did you calibrate your gauge with the thermometer? I went through two bad qauges in a row.
You have the best minds in the industry helping you here (myself excluded obviously) hang in there!
