I just got my 1.8 back together, and I filled the motor with coolant. I filled thru the top rad hose, then the overflow tank. Its got 1.5 gallons in it, and I let it run for 30 minutes last nite thinking the thermostat would open. I guess it never did, because the coolant never got pulled out of the overflow. The thermostat is only about 6 months old, and it worked before i tore the motor down. The motor didn't seem overheated after I ran it, but it was hard to turn over with the starter. But it did start. My temp guage is intermittently working so I can't tell how hot its getting. I have a surface temp sensor, and pointed it at the top rad hose. it read 193 degrees. What gives??? Anybody have any ideas?
TIA
John