I have a 1985 xr2 which I have had for about 21 yrs I now have a problem with it overheating. It started with it squiling when it got hot so i replaced the water pump and then the fan would not turn off after it got hot so replaced the fan switch in the thermohousing. But it is still not turning off. The bottom hose is getting hot first before the top hose sso thought I may have put the belt on wrong so reversing the pump but I have not.
despite the fan running the temp gauge is still rising .when running if you slightly release the water bottle cap water gushes out despite the water being like warm , could it be the head gasket gone it's not missing or anything but is sometimes difficult to turn over any advice would be appreciated .

 

for what it is i would pull head off it and have a look or get it tested for head gasket issue...

 

CVHs usually get hot very quickly. In the summertime it often just takes two or three red traffic lights until the fan kicks in. Even with a new (big ERST S2) rad, a 82°C RS1600i thermostate and a big oil cooler.

I wouldn't just go for the head gasket, I'd invest some money on the whole cooling system. Flush it, best twice, use a new rad (even flushing often won't cure old clogged up/furred up rads), new head gasket, a new rad for the heater and any other related part and make sure all hoses are free of dirt and not blocked. And ALWAYS use the right amount and the right type of antifreeze! Cooling will be much better, it will prevent the engine from rusting etc.!

And don't forget to have your mixture and ignition set up properly. A lean mixture will also make the engine run very hot and in the end probably kill it.