The heater/ hot-water control valve on my Explorer broke causing the engine to overheat very badly. When the plastic part failed, a good bit of the engine coolant pumped out before I could get to a spot to get it looked at. Needless to say, the motor really was running hot.

I replaced the valve, but the motor still runs hot.

Could the thermostat have gotten cooked during the original problem? I'm also thinking that MAYBE I reconnected the hoses wrong on the replacement valve, though I don't think so. The hose closest to the center of the firewall runs to the bottom of the engine. The hose on the passenger side of the valve runs to the top of the engine. Is this right? Any other ideas?

Thanks/