Ford Repair: Ford Escort overheating issue, head gasket leak, coolant loss

Question
1995 Ford Escort, 1.9, AT, A/C overheating problem. Initial overheating was consistent and severe. Coolant was being lost yet heater core was producing plenty of heat indicating that the thermostat wasn't stuck closed. Closer inspection of the coolant in the radiator overflow reservoir indicated that the coolant loss was internal. No radiator, hose, heater core, or water pump leaks. Eventual loss of power accompanying the overheating and coolant contamination led me to conclude a head gasket leak. Without confirming with a compression test and considering the age and high mileage of the vehicle, 140K, replacing the head gasket and a possible cracked or warped head was ruled out as economically unfeasable. Opting for the much less expensive coolant additive "head gasket fix" compound rectified the compression and coolant loss. Radiator cap gasket was worn so I replaced it to insure proper pressure wasn't a problem. Overheating subsided but engine still seems to run somewhat hotter than it should, usually between half and three quarters of the instrument panel temp gauge. Although we seemed to have cured a result I'm not confident that we have repaired the cause. I fear that until that cause is pinpointed we're in for the same problems all over again. There are so many different sensors involved that trial and error replacement seems impractical as well as expensive. One very important point; the fan no longer runs after engine shut off. Fan shuts down AS SOON AS ignition is turned off. This condition existed BEFORE the head gasket treatment and continues. Neither am I convinced that the fan starts up when the engine and coolant reach the proper temperature. Which sensor(s) do you think is the most likely culprit and where would it/they be located? Fan relay checked out as good. Sorry this ran long but I wanted to be sure you had all the info you need to be able to give an informed response.

Thanks!

Answer
there is really not many sensors involved in cooling system-i will probably get in trouble here but i wish products like head gasket fix-belt dressing-and all stop leaks would be outlawed because they very rarely work and sometimes cause other problems-sometimes because it is not installed per instructions but most of the time because it just isn't the proper way to repair problem. by your symptoms you probably do have a leaking head gasket or cracked head (same result either way)-does it run hotter idling cooling fan not working or going down highway if going down highway could be clogged radiator or if coolant is or was dirty fins could be eat off or partially off water pump (see it a dozen times a year) which if it is partial it would idle normal temp but a soon as started moving would overheat unfortunately so would a head gasket which is still the most likely cause-but unless the car is wore out i would replace the head. go to www.doverheads.com and check them out the worst things about that engine is head will drop a valve seat no warning and can ruin engine otherwise i wouldn't mind having it if it has been even halfway maintained you've got another 100k miles on it but be sure and replace your timing belt and water pump if you haven't (while head is being replaced is perfect time. but there is no reason to trial and error it have it diagnosed-don't worry about long post i appreciate it
let me know your results.