If you are not seeing any leaks but it gets hot and is using coolant, plus removing the thermostat made a difference, have them do a pressure check on the cooling system as it sounds like you may have a failing head gasket.
You wrote water, if you are using straight water that is not good for the engine. The proper coolant mix carries away more heat and allows for the proper cooling system pressures because the coolant will not boil off like water.
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Monday, May 15th, 2017 AT 4:02 AM