MG TF no cooling fans

[SteveCCarter]

Hi - I have a 2002 MG TF Stepspeed recently purchased. I am concerned that I have not had either cooling fans operate - after running for a while the gauges show 80 degrees on the oil and just below halfway on the water temperatures (normal?). The water gauge goes to this position within 2 miles and then does not move at all! (the oil one will go up a bit if car used hard)
I know the fans work as I have disconnected the water temperature sensor at the engine and both fans fire up (engine bay one on ignition only and the radiator fan when engine running). However the engine bay fan will not operate when the bay temperature sensor is disconnected, only when the water temp gauge disconnected.
Should I be concerned and if so what may be the solution? Head gasket done around 10,000 miles ago and no signs of failure here. Grateful for any feedback.

[SteveCCarter]

Thanks for your reply - yes new to the car/engine. Reason for my concern is that the engine smells hot, that the water temperature gauge is SO constant and I can't force the engine bay fan to work when I disconnect its sensor in the back of the engine bay.
Maybe the thermostat is working properly then and I am just being neurotic!

[SteveCCarter]

Thanks very much - I will stop panicking and keep a close watch on the gauges then!