Hey guys! How do you know if your engine is overheating if the temperature gauge doesn't work, although the sensor does? My rad hoses look like they're melting in spots. I don't remember them doing that before. New thermostat.

Did you burp the cooling system after changing the thermostat? Air in the system will cause it to over heat.

It started a month or two ago when the coolant was continuously falling in level and I couldn't find any leaks. I used rad sealer. I ran it for 5 minutes with the rad cap off after refilling, squeezing hoses, etc. I don't see water in the oil... I don't think it leaks now... but then I used long life oil so it might have swelled up a gasket somewhere.

I bet the hoses got damaged when the coolant ran low!

There is a chance you could still grab your engine temperature off of a scanner to make sure it'* in the ok range. If your hose looks damaged, you really should replace it immediately. Then I would work on getting that engine temp gauge fixed, that is something that you really aught to have.