I bought my OH's stilo about two years ago with a duff head gasket and the water pump knackered (all the plastic blades had broken off)

Today she mentioned it was overheating, I took it for a drive and it engine warmed up fine then started to overheat. When I stopped and opened the bonnet the fan was running fine when the ignition was switched on, the top radiator hose was burning hot but the bottom one was cold, I can only think the water pump has failed again? (It's only been on for ~30,000 miles, it was from Eurocarparts and had metal blades)

Any other ideas? I don't think it could be the thermostat as the the top hose is after it.

certainly sounds like water pump issues... Does the coolant flow back to the expansion tank?

Not been looking for this but from memory I think the only flow back tonight was when I squeezed the top hose.

Youll need to confirm or deny coolant flow... Dont take the cap off when the engine is at running temp

Got it fixed, strange fault though, the rubber seal round the thermostat had partially ripped off jamming the thermostat almost completely closed. There was enough flow to make the top hose hot but not enough to cool the engine. I've fitted a new thermostat and it's running fine again, very glad it wasn't the water pump.

novatron be carefull this exact same thing happened to me with a brand new thermostat. the problem was a head gasket issue blowing gas bubbles in the lines. it will happen again if you dont repair your head gasket. check your water tank are their traces of oil or dirt in there? its a sign of a blown head gasket. also if you turn of your engine and you hear bubbles almost right away.