What should my CPU temp be? Water cooling kit might be bad

I can't give you a 100% answer. However, even though you got a kit, you should "lap" the touching heatplate for the smoothest contact as possible. Use the required goop(compound) for heat transfer and bleed out any air from the tubes. Make darn sure the fan(s) are blowing as they should be to cool the tower/exchange unit, if these had to be mounted by you. Embossed arrows for airflow direction or simply place hand to find out when ON and mount as directed. I think you'll get better responses from a "modding websites" as these FAQ's are already touted. Check out http://www.pcmodders.com or similar websites or google for them.

good luck -----Willy

If you will check the manual of your mother board, you will see the ideal working temperature of your system dependent upon the processor speed you use(but without the water cooling kit). The temperature will vary and rise as you add more hardwares. Check the temperature when you activate the water cooling kit, then compare your temperature readings. If you prefer, you can even pull-off the hardwares one by one (with the water cooling kit on and then off), it is a time consuming procedure but it will perhaps remove your doubt if the cooling kit is essential or if it working or not.

My athlon 64 runs about 155-158 loaded and all I'm using is the fan and heatsink provided by AMD

I'm actualy getting water cooling in a week, and your temp is higher than mine right now. I have a cpu fan that spins at 6000rpms and my cpu is idle at 32c and 43c when useing it to its full potential. And then temps you are talking about are outragus to my standards (Intel will tell you there chip can handle 180f, but I knopw its bull hockey). I'm buy the kollance PC3-410BK w/all the bells and wistles. I recomend calling the company that makes the kit you bought and ask them what the temps should be with that kit. Also if you are over clocking, that may be why.