My new to me 190D has been sitting for 10 years. It pegged the temp gauge on a 3 mile test run.
The fan never came on. It was 70 degrees. I removed the thermostat and tested. It opens at 180 degrees.
Are these critical for the fan to run if going down the road?
I have removed the fans from other vehicle and did not over heat whil driving.

Thanks, Tom