tivoliman,

BusyBenz had good suggestions... Check the clutch fan for proper operation (see if it freewheels or if there is some resistance). Also check the aux. cooling fans (fuses & relays). There is a elec. connector on the neck that the thermostat is under....if you pull that plug, it will force the fans to come on by default.
A hot engine, will usually smell hot....Can't describe the smell, but it does smell hot to me.
Also, after it has warmed up, and you are reasonable sure that there is coolant flowing through your radiator, turn of the engine and feel the radiator for cool areas which could indicate a blockage(s).

I have also read that some aftermarket rebuit waterpumps are not built to as close a tolerance as is needed. The rebuilts from MB however are fine to use.

Hope this helps, and good luck!

-Larry

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09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D