Engine Cooling problem
1997 Honda Accord 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 206000 miles

Not sure what Wheel Drive Type my car has, so my answer may be incorrect.

For several years now when I turn off my '97 Honda Accord, the fan runs for a very long time, sometimes up to 10 minutes or longer. I have asked mechanics about this and they all say it's normal; however, I haven't seen or heard other Accords that do the same thing.

Anyway, yesterday, while stopped at a fast food drive through, I noticed billows of steam coming out of the front of my car, and, when I glanced at the gauge, saw that the heat was in the red zone. I sat for awhile, then started up again. When I got on the road, the needle went down into the normal zone, but as soon as I slowed down, it climbed again.

Today it doesn't matter if I'm stopped or driving, the needle climbs--although not to the red zone.

I am driving to Chicago a week from today, so must have it fixed, but I feel like every repair I have done to this car runs into the $600 range and I do not have that kind of money. What do you think it could be, and what do you think is a reasonable repair cost?

Thank you.