I got it to red line at 260 and e fan never came on.. It does however come on when I turn the air on. So i'm guessing the sensor is bad? Where's it at and how do I check it to see if its bad

 

That is what I would check next,I have not looked at a 2000,but it should be on the tstat housing,I have put them in a pan of hot water with a an ohm meter and see if closes when it gets to temp,until then run your a/c if it gets to hot.

 

now i may be wrong just what i heard,that the fan only works when a/c is on,and that 2000 to 2001 have a real thin head,thay crack easy,thats what happen to my 2001 that i"am parting,not worth fixing, i hope this has not happen to you,but you need to presure test your cooling system.if you lose presure than your head cracked,may not show in oil,

take it to your locol shop get this done soon,before it show in your oil.
to much coolint on rod & main bearing will damage them,then looking full rebuild.wish you all the luck.steve n
ps your cooling system should be no more than 210 deg,or less were you live.