Thanks for the help.. I will do the factory default with Initialized checked. Ill check the temp for a bit running factory firmware and see what happens. From there I can update with FW with Merlin FW.Checking that we're on the same page when I say to configure from fresh format, scratch, no backups.
Administration - Restore/Save/Upload - Factory Default WITH INITIALIZE CHECKED
Then setup as new using no backups, all settings entered by hand. If afterwards you still see the issues, just know that there are a couple of other people that are on the "fixed" firmware(s) (factory & Merlin) and still see temps higher than what they used too. There are a couple threads, one being here: https://www.snbforums.com/threads/ac86u-overheats-with-fw-386.70296/
If you can't live with it, one solution appears to be using a fan. I'm not a fan (hahaha) of that since it is blowing air into the router (dust). Drawing the air Out would be the better solution if I were to try it.
If this is not successful I will just use the AX86 that I ordered.
Its all a time consuming process. I have a lot of devices get to set up every time I do this. But I do appreciate you help, I'd rather keep this one then paying the cost of the new one.
Do you know how good the Merlin FW for the SNMP it has in it now? Does it provide accurate detail on the data that is used on each device/host?
Thanks again.