#2 The temp gauge is not controlled by the t-stat, its controlled by the temp sensor , sender , and/or computer
#3 Without knowing what engine we are working with (is it a 1967 327 or a 2006 6.0L) on older vehicles a stuck closed t-stat will cause the engine to get hot and if its stuck open it can cause choke issues with the carb (if you use it to warm up you engine) and the heater(if its winter). If its a newer (computer controlled) engine it can effect fuel economy, overheating issues and engine performance.
#4 As far as "How is the water pump driven?" What engine? , It could be either fan belt driven, timing belt driven or cam shaft driven.
WATER TEMPERATURE GAUGE FOR A MASSEY FERGUSON TRACTOR, VDO Cockpit Electrical Water Temperature Gauge 2 1/16" Dia Black Face 310039, 3x SMOKE GAUGES+DASH POD WATER+OIL TEMPERATURE+PRESSURE, UNIVERSAL ALUMINUM 1.1"/28MM RADIATOR WATER TEMPERATURE SENSOR GAUGE ADAPTOR RED, Autometer Cobalt Mechanical Water Temperature Gauge 2 5/8" Dia Black Face 7932, Automotive Water Temperature Gauge, Autometer Pro-Comp Mechanical Water Temperature Gauge 2 5/8" Dia Silver Face, Autometer Old Tyme White II Electrical Water Temperature Gauge 2 1/16" Dia 1237, VDO Cockpit Electrical Water Temperature Gauge 2 1/16" Dia Black Face 3100391, VDO Cockpit Royale Electrical Water Temperature Gauge 2 1/16" Dia White Face, Autometer Old Tyme White Electrical Water Temperature Gauge 2 1/16" Dia 1638, Autometer Ultra-Lite Electrical Water Temperature Gauge 2 5/8" Dia Silver Face, Autometer ES Electrical Water Temperature Gauge 2 1/16" Dia Black Face 5955, Autometer Designer Black Electrical Water Temperature Gauge 2 1/16" Dia 1436, Autometer Cobalt Electrical Water Temperature Gauge 2 1/16" Dia 6155, Autometer Sport-Comp Electrical Water Temperature Gauge 2 5/8" Dia Black Face, Stack Electrical Gauge Electrical Water Temperature 2 1/16" Dia ST3208, 2 Inch Black Water Temperature Gauge Kit 6262 Equus New, Autometer Carbon Fiber Ultra-Lite Mechanical Water Temperature Gauge 2 5/8" Dia, Sunpro cp8217 water temperature gauge, 52MM 2" CARBON WATER TEMP TEMPERATURE METER GAUGE FORD, Digital Water Temperature Gauge-Electrical 52mm 2 1/16", 32mm WATER TEMP TEMPERATURE GAUGE/JOINT PIPE RADIATOR ADAPTER HOSE SENSOR BLUE D, 52MM CARBON WATER TEMP TEMPERATURE METER GAUGE NISSAN, Summit Racing Gauge Kit Analog Console 2 1/16" Water Temperature Oil PSI Kit, UNIVERSAL ALUMINUM 1.1"28MM RADIATOR WATER TEMPERATURE SENSOR GAUGE ADAPTOR GOLD, UNIVERSAL ALUMINUM 36MM RADIATOR WATER TEMPERATURE SENSOR GAUGE ADAPTOR SILVER, UNIVERSAL ALUMINUM 32MM RADIATOR WATER TEMPERATURE SENSOR GAUGE ADAPTOR SILVER, UNIVERSAL ALUMINUM 1.6"40MM RADIATOR WATER TEMPERATURE SENSOR GAUGE ADAPTOR BLUE, UNIVERSAL ALUMINUM 1.3"/34MM RADIATOR WATER TEMPERATURE SENSOR GAUGE ADAPTOR RED,