YES. The spring set's down into the intake.
The right hand is the proper position of the chips in Damath polynomial. The chips that are placed on the left hand are therefore in the wrong position.
All cars need a thermostat for proper operation and longevity.
The thermostat may be stuck in the open position, so that the water is not getting hot enough.
Yes, the thermostat needs to be installed for proper engine operation.
follow the top radiator hose to the engine, where it connects is the thermostat housing, inside there is the thermostat. If you replace the thermostat, be very careful to install it with the air bleed hole in the proper position, and be sure to get as much air as you can out of the water jacket before you seal the system back up. Bleed the system well when you check for leaks.
A 180 and a 170 degree thermostat are listed for it.
Yes, it is okay to run it for awhile like that. Keep in mind that the engine may not cool properly this way or may run abnormally warm. But it will run okay until a proper thermostat can be placed in it.
Behind the thermostat housing. The thermostat housing is located at the rear end of the top radiator hose. Follow the top radiator hose. It leads to the thermostat housing. There are either two or three bolts holding it in place. The bottom one can be tricky to remove. A quarter inch universal joint with a socket might work well. Unlike many cars which have a thermostat positioned horizontally, the 1999 Sebring 2.5 V-6 has the thermostat positioned vertically. It can be very tricky to get it into proper position while replacing it and putting the housing over it. It is sometimes easier to put the thermostat into the housing, and then placing the housing in position, and then placing the three screws in as far as possible using your fingers. Also, using a small amount of thick grease to hold it in position in the housing can help. I believe there might be a tab on the thermostat that must be placed into an indent in the housing, but not sure. I have this car, and have replaced the thermostat myself. The bolts are probably 10mm. The quarter inch or three eighth inch universal joint with an extension and a standard depth socket is almost required for the bottom bolt. -Douglas
Assuming that your gauge is accurate, then you probably have a stuck thermostat in the open position that is not allowing the coolant to stay in the engine long enough to reach proper operating temp. Replace the thermostat or have a good mechanic do it for you.
I Use A small dab of pematex or similar sealant just enough to hold, make sure surface is clean.
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If the thermostat is stuck open, the engine will never warm up to proper temperature.