Help with overheating problem?!?!?!

[brougand]

Hi guys,

First up my temp gauge doesnt work and im not sure my fan or thermostat work either.
Ive just changed coolant and bled. I start the car up and weight for the thermostat to open but because I haven't got a temp gauge I don't know when it is reaching a high enough temperature for this to happen. I always get worried because the engine has been on for about 10-12 minutes and steam has been coming out of the first bleed point (dust-cap one) for about 5/6 minutes, then I bottle it thinking the engine has been on too long and this could be damaging. So I turn it off presuming the thermostat isn't going to open and the fan isn't going to come on.

So basically three things firstly how long roughly should it take for the coolant to get high enough for the thermostat to open and how long should it take for the fan to come on. Secondly How do you get into the thermostat housing, I know you take the 3 bolts out but then there is I presume silicone
sealant holding it on, do I just pry it off with a flat-head?

Sorry about how long it is, just wanted to explain it properly.

[Quick]

Is rad getting warm?

Bleed points should be closed - no steam coming out!

I'd try and fix the guage - will help to see whats going on!

[brougand]

Yeah rads warming up, and bleed points are closed but I can see steam coming out from the dusk cap point, could possibly be where ive bled it and its standing water evaporating but I doubt it. However the pipe at the dust-cap isn't that hot, I could put my hand round it for a few seconds and give it a squeeze. I had a new engine put in about a year back, only problem is there is some different wiring of both cars meaning some sensors don't work.
How long roughly should it take for thermostat to open and also how do i get the thermostat housing open sealing it so tightly?

[Gandi699]

Does the pipe to the rad from the stat get hot?

[K567]

gandi699 said it, top rad hose if that gets hot thermostat is open, prior to that it will be much colder and will be under less pressure.
time for warmup to thermo stat opening
mine takes about a 10 minute drive ill see the temp gauge hit mid line, about where fan kicks in and it will suddenly drop temp that the thermostat opening.