I replaced my radiator and all of the cooling hoses (except the short one from the water pump to the manifold). Following the Shops advice and procedures, there were a few bloody knuckles but it went as prescribed. I ran short on time and could not deal with the recommended thermostat replacement (especially since that 3rd bolt is in such a delightful location....) My problem now is that I filled the expansion tank, started the car with heater on, and the radiator idiot light came on. The car then proceeded to get hotter, hotter, etc. I checked the bottom hose between the radiator and the engine - cool as a cucumber. Level in the expansion tank did not go down as expected and there was no requirement to add fluid.

Is my thermostat frozen closed? Do I have an air bubble (not sure what that is exactly or how to deal with it)? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated as this is my daily driver and I have been disabled for two days.

Thanks

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94 E500 (Silver/Black)