I have a 86 honda civic,The fan does not turn on when hot. I have changed thermostat, radiator fan switch, the one on the bottom of the radiator! The top hose always gets hot and bottom one always stays cold, overheats and blows out overflow on a 10 minute drive in town. Have power to relay on fender and sensor. ANY advise is appreciated. Need to check radiator also. What else. How do I check water pump. First time honda owner HELP!!!!!!!! Thanks Chuck

 

does the top hose get hard whenever the thermostat is closed? Are you losing coolent? Does your rad bubble?

 

yes to all of the above

 

I would pressure check the cylinders and pressure test the coolent system. There are specials tools to do this. Is where your block block wet and your head dry? I would conclude that you might just need a head gasket. If you dont know much about cars I would let someone else diogose it. There is nothing worst then replacing a headgasket that didn't need replaced.

 

Thanks I will let someone look at it . I'm not much of a mechanic!