I have a 1987 Honda Civic Ex. The radiator fan stopped working. The car gets hot really fast and burns alot of water because of it. Is it just a blown fuse or a bigger problem?
by 
krissy T
ANSWERS: 2
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Regardless of the reason, running the engine until it overheats, especially if you do it repeatedly, is a fast way to blow the head gasket. Overheating an aluminum head, cast iron block just once can create a leaky head gasket. Check the fan thermo switch in the bottom of the radiator, check the fan itself and check the fan relay. My first guess would be the thermo switch. I've replaced those before but have never had to replace a fan motor yet.
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It probably needed the switch replaced when it first happened, but if you let it "burn a lot of water" even once, you probably need an engine now. Any time any part of the cooling system malfunctions, you should pull over immediately and either fix it on the spot or tow it to the garage. You shouldn't even drive it a block.
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