Car is overheating? Could it be a bad thermostat?

So recently my car started overheating. I popped the hood and found a crack on my radiator. At the time (only a few days ago) I didn't have the money to replace it so I put some JB Weld on it. That didn't work. The pressure popped it right off. Anyways, I replaced the radiator today and put some new coolant in it and I took the car for a test drive only to see that the car started overheating again. I thought the worst and thought is was a blown gasket but my oil isn't milky but I think it might be a bad thermostat. What do you think? If you need to know, I drive a 2001 Ford Escape XLT V6 3.0L 2WD. I'm 17 and it's my first car and right now I can't afford to get a new one. I would really appreciate the help I can't afford $2000 for a mechanic either. If I had that money I'd go get a different car.

Sounds like a thermostat or water pump. Have you had an estimate from a mechanic? Don't go to the dealership - they are way too expensive. By the way, did you check the coolant level after the car had cooled off? It is possible that you did not completely fill the cooling system. A thermostat is not usually terribly expensive to replace. However, it could be the water pump as well. Generally, you replace both the thermostat and water pump at the same time.