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I start the thing up, the temp gauge immediatley goes to the max reading

sounds like the sending unit is toast.

the troubleshoot test procedure is to unplug it and ground it with a jumper wire, key on and if gauge pegs 'H' you know the sender is at fault. if it did absolutely nothing then you'd have to inspect the wiring & connection. so half your work has been done already.

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cost $10-$30 depending on source, many cars use the same sender so look around.

check out this pic:
www.marcuccimotorsports.com/trooper/manifold/manifold1.jpg

see the 2 circles?

the upper one is for the temp gauge sender. and fyi the one below it is the temp sensor for the ECU.

2.6 Trooper
2.0 Impulse Turbo