Ok about a month ago I was having problems with my cooling fan on my 97 accord. I replaced the thermostat housing switch (back of the engine), and everything started working fine. Now all of a sudden my cooling fan won't come on while the engine is running (same problem as before) but the fan cuts on after the engine is turned off. If I turn the ac on both fans come on, so I can't be a fan motor. Could it possibly be my fan relay under the fuse box? Because I don't see how that new switch I put in would be bad already. Any help is greatly appreciated, I'll give any more details if they are asked.

 

Does the temperature gauge in the car start rising when the car is idling?

Do you have a volt meter and know how to test for voltage and open/closed circuits?

 

Yes the temperature rises when the car idles for at least 5 minutes.
I have decided to just get an engine swap because I just got an oil change not even 500 miles ago and my oil is already milky looking with water. There is also oil in my coolant and brown gunk in my vacuum hoses...

 

It sounds like the head gasket is leaking. I guess that you have two choices.

1. Engine swap. If your car is a 4-cylinder, get an engine from a 96 or 97. Ask the supplier for a compression and leakdown test on the new motor. See if there is some kind of warranty on the used engine. Look at sites like car-part.com to search for used engines in your area. I would probably install a new timing belt and water pump before the engine is installed, since it will be much easier out of the car.

2. Replace the head gasket. This depends on the I would have the head milled, so it is perfectly flat. I would probably have the valve guides replaced at the minimum.