overheat mystery

[Eric_R_Kissell at whirlpool.com]

I would first verify the cooling fan is working.

Does the fan blade turn freely by hand? Is there any looseness if you try
to move the blade tips in and out from the radiator? If so, the bearings
are shot and you need to replace the bearings. They are available from
about any (industrial) bearing supply house, though I do not have the size
at my fingertips right now.

If the fan turns and the bearings do not allow the blade to wobble, start
the car and let it run at an idle until the fan cycles. Watch the temp
gauge as you do this and stop things before the temperature gets to
head-warping level if the fan fails to cycle.

Note, if the radiator fan has seized or does not turn freely you are at
risk of a wiring meltdown or even a fire unless you have added a fusible
link to the fan circuit. If you have added previously a fusible link to the
circuit, see if it has blown and then figure out why.

Also, the fan should always run when the air conditioning is running, i.e.
when the climate control is set on Auto or Bi-Level. Is this working in
your car?

HTH,
Eric