if your temp doesnt climb that would suggest the stat is stuck open? as if it was stuck closed it would over heat due to no circulation would it not? or it just isnt there at all lol

ive got a 1.4 8v but its the c14se engine, mines under the cambelt but its soo simple to do, just line up the top pully, take it off and undo 2 torx bits then the stat housing is held in place by 2 13mm bolts

Thanks for the info mate, thought that was how to test the stat.
No idea how easy it is to get at it though which is the main issue

Take the stat out and chuck it in a pan of water. Turn hob on and watch it, you should see it open at 90deg. If it dnt change, put a new one in.

The blowers aren't getting hot (they blow warmish air) and the temperature gauge doesn't move off the bottom.
Is this the thermostat that's broken or is it likely to be something else.

If it is the thermostat how easy is it to sort? Haynes says the timing belt covers have to come off, is this right and does the cambelt need to come off?

Cheers
Matt