single mom need help-volkwagon 85 golf

Hi, I am having a problem with my sons 85 volkwagon golf
First of all we cannot find the thermostat anywhere!!! we just got it!
ITs an GL It started getting hot & smoking 1st. the fan didnt come on but he fixed that but its still getting hot and water is overflowing when its running. Ive been told all kinds of different things such as water temp sensor and mass air flow sensor or water pump gasket.
Can anyone help? Please email me asap [email protected]

Well, it's not got a mass air flow sensor, the temp sensor wouldn't cause it to overheat, & if the pump gasket is leaking there would be water dripping fom near the belts. It can be difficult to properly refill the cooling system from the reservoir tank, sometimes an air pocket remains in the engine and it can cause your symptoms. Removing the upper radiator hose & also filling through it may work better. If it still overheats & the fan comes on then the easiest thing to try is the thermostat, it's located in the housing where the lower radiator hose enters the engine.