Chrysler Repair: Coolant Leak/overheating, head gasket leak, upper radiator hose

Question
I know this is a Chrsyler post but you posted something previously that really
hit my problem on the button.  I have a 1996 Honda Accord and for a while it
has been running hot.  The fans stay on after the car is off.  A couple days
back I was driving around town and noticed the temperature gauge was all
the way up.  I quickly stopped and sure enough my coolant was low.  I filled it
back up.  Then, the next morning driving to work (1/2 hour away), I noticed
again that the gauge was all the way up.  A few minutes later my check
engine light came on.  Only a few minutes away from work, I kept on driving
and when I arrived I checked my coolant and it was near empty.  Luckily, I
kept the coolant in my trunk and refilled it on the way to the dealership.  The
entire ride home my temp gauge was in normal range and heat worked.  
Dealership said I had a blown upper radiator hose.  They replaced it, then
called to say it was still overheating and the coolant reservoir was
overflowing as well.  What could be the issue based on these particulars?  
They said they'd start with a thermostat and fan sensor...  Is there a way of
telling actually what it is instead of just starting to replace items?

Answer
Hi Jasmine,
It may be the thermostat is not opening at the temperature at which it was designed to do. If you haven't seen any signs of coolant leaking under the car, other that by the radiator hose, that may solve the problem. If the fans were coming on, then I would not think the fan sensor is the issue unless they only came on when the gauge was at H and not earlier than that, so I would not buy into the sensor replacement until the thermostat replacement shows the problem to not be solved. If you haven't noticed any unusual amount of white smoke coming from the exhaust when you start the car from cold, then the other possibility is still moot, i.e., a head gasket leak. So hold that one for later, too. I would 'go' with the thermostat and then see what happens before going further. Keep your eye on the gauge, the coolant level, and the exhaust pipe when starting up cold for a while.
Roland
Roland