Skoda Felicia '97 overheating - HELP needed?

As far as I can make out the car runs fine apart from overheating. The fan does not cut in (thermoswitch on radiator) no hot water getting to it, all hoses hot except for bottom hose to radiator so I think thermostat alright. Overflow tank full, over max mark, dirty looking water could this be from combustion gases, and gets hot. Timing belt feels taut and turns when engine running.
Any recommendations as to what to look for next or check.
I would like my conclusion confirmed by someone who knows more than me about cars (water pump faulty) could this be tested by removing a hose to see if water is being pumped out?providing I can keep water topped up and run engine from cold of course
Any help appreciated

Answers:
If your stat was working correctly then all hoses should b warm!!! If your fan isnt cutting in due to no water circ around to switch then youve got some kind of blockage again poss pointing towards stat sticking! good luck! Oh and the dude b4 going on about the hissing wen you release the pressure cap is incorrect.
umm, no idea. Just lots of water. perhaps you could blow on it or something?
If the fan isnt working, that might be the cause, or you could always try this.

First thing in the morning, take the cap off the expansion tank and then replace it (this should remove any pressure in the coolany syatem).

Let the engine idle for 60/90 seconds. Stop the engine. Slowly loosen the expansion tank cap. If you hear any hissing at all, your head gasket is on its way out. If its silent, your head gasket is OK.
first check the fan works, check the fuse, then disconect the temp sensor wires and short them out and turn the ignitio on the fan should run if not you have a faullt there, next thermostat, place in a kettle with a thermometer, the thermostat will have a temp stamped on it thats when its supposed to open. start the kettle boiling and note the temp it opens is the temp stamped on it, if it dont open then its faulty.
Next if the stat is ok test the radiator sensor in much the same way except this time you need a multimeter to check the resistance which will fall as the temp increases (haynes manual will give you the values) next chack hoses for blockages and also check oil make sure its not white.
It sounds like your head gasket is leaking and pressurising the system.

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