92 Honda Accord, fan on radiator runs when engine is off but not when runni?

First off...... There is nothing wrong with your car (it is a Honda after all!) When the engine is running the water gets pumped round the engine and when it reaches its opperating temp the thermostat opens and the water is pumped round the engine and the radiator. The hot water in the radiator is cooled when you are driving by air being drawn thru the grille then thru the rad. It also keeps cool just by the fact it is passing thru the rad. As soon as you switch the engine off the water gets hotter. This is why your fan cuts in after you have turned the engine off. Honda engines have an alloy cylinder head and block so they do get hot very quickly. Great in the winter cause you dont have to drive far with a cold interior!!

Simon
October 2005