[Overheated]

I am certain that I put the thermostat in correctly, however I am going to remove it and check. If I reconnect the system without it in place, will that allow water to run freely through the system? What I'm getting at is, without the thermostat, there should be no restriction to flow and that would allow me to see if the water pump is doing its part. I really hate to have a go at that thermo again, but I assume this would be a good diagnostic. Also, if I run the system with the top hose off, and no thermometer, there should be flow regardless of a clogged radiator, correct? Man, am I praying for a clogged radiator.