when radiator cap is removed and I start the engine the ,coolant circulates right away, this is not correct is it, I think the thermostat has been removed am I correct in saying that

right by saying, that when engine starts, once the water in the head/block gets to temperature the thermostat opens then circulates the coolant

Yes and no! There will be a small amount of flow evident even when the thermostat is closed as the thermostats fitted to XTs (like many vehicles) have a small hole drilled in them (position at the top when installed).



This is there to bleed any trapped air in the cylinder head through and to let a small amount of hot coolant flow through the radiator when the thermostat is shut to purge this air. Also, as a side effect, it allows the radiator to gently warm a little preventing a sudden rush of stone cold coolant into the head/block when the thermostat opens.

All depends on what you are seeing? Is it overflowing out of the neck? Is it rushing through?

Yes.

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