overheating on my 96 cavalier

I can't figure out why my 96 cavalier is overheating. It has a new thermostat and radiator cap. Water seems to be flowing through the radiator fine. Is it my head gasket? Does anybody have answer or having this problem.

Check that the fan is operating? My 1999 electric fan was coming on too late and getting hot. For smogging the car, I installed a switch that I can turn it on anytime. I decided to leave it in. I will install a few relays so I can switch between "normal" running and turniing it on full time, all the time.
Check that there is no air in the coolant system. Check your electric fan.
If it doesn't come on, to decide if the problem is the fan motor or the switch, the book says to apply power to the fan motor directly. I did. My fan mottor was ok. It turned out to be the temp switch. I do a lot of stop and go traffic commuting and the fan still turns on later than I like. That is why I installed a manual switch.

Yes, do all the above in the previous post. Air in the system ??...Do you bleed it after replacing the thermostat ????

If you have concerns about a blown head gasket....Have the system pressure tested at a shop. Should hold 18psi static pressure for 5 minutes or more.

I usually set it up and head to the pub !! Why waste time sitting around doing nothing !!! Come back in 30 minutes and see if any pressure is lost. If not....head back to the pub...there is always another day !!!

Cheers Mate....JzJzz.... and the Man from Down Under