So this project has been a loooong journey in cooling systems. We have changed hoses, sealed a cracked head, gotten the radiator fans working up to speed, flushed any blockages with a 4 day vinegar soak, and we thought that it was finally done with... until it started overheating again on its maiden voyage yesterday. We aren't mechanics but in trying to figure this out we've gotten to know this car's cooling system very well. At this point one of the hoses that comes from the top of the overflow tank and leads directly into the radiator is much hotter than the others and is dry, so we are wondering if we should just get a new radiator at this point?


The hot and dry hose that leads to the radiator is the one on the bottom coming out of the overflow tank

 

Sealed the head gasket? Did you replace it? Does it smoke out of the tailpipe?

 

We used K and W head gasket sealer and everything seamed fine until the temp spiked yesterday. Our mechanic told us it was a cracked head but when we got the oil changed by somebody else he said that the oil looked perfectly fine, like there was no mixing, which is a marker of a cracked head right? So we are wondering now if its not a cracked head at all and our radiator is just bunk. Thank you friend!

 

Not saying head gasket in a can dosen't work, but......At this point you need to do a compression check to make sure it isn't a head, or gasket. Is there any white smoke from the tail pipe? Now, why was the reason to look at a head gasket/head in the first place, overheating?

 

No white smoke but yeah it was overheating

 

I'm probably preaching to the choir, but did you replace the radiator cap?
Go for the easier, cheaper alternative, before you replace your radiator. first.
With a garden hose, rinse off the outside of your radiator fins, to remove
accumulated mud and dirt buildup from the outside. Be certain your
coolant is at LEAST 50% water, as it transfers heat more efficiently.