2.2 overheating fan maybe?

I have a 1994 S-10 with a 2.2 engine that has recently blown the upper radiator hose. I replaced the hose and while I was at it replaced the thermostat. The motor then climbed to the normal operating temp and then kept going up slowly. I replaced the thermostat with another new one in case the other one was faulty to no avail, same problem. I then pulled the radiator and cleaned it inside and out and put in a new water pump. With all new pump, flushed system, clean radiator and new 50/50 mix coolant the engine rises to operating temp and then slowly rises still but not as quick. Mind you this at idle and highway speeds alike. I was beginning to think I had a blown head gasket but there is no cross contamination of fluids I.E. oil, coolant and there are no bubbles or adverse pressure signs in radiator. I took it on a drive tonight for 30 miles at an outside temp of 65 derees and had absoulutly no problem with the the temp rising above normal at any time. The outside temps at the time of the rising coolant temps was 80 degrees. I also am getting a whirrrring noise from the front of the motor that I have never heard before. It rises and lowers with throttle imput . Could the problem be from the engine driven clutch fan going out? If its any consolation, when the engine starts to overheat, I turn on the heat inside the cab and the engine temp goes down.

Fan Clutches do pack it in, so it's probably your problem.

Several people on this forum, myself included prefer electric fans, so it's a good time to switch over if you like electric.
rlith would probably sugest using a Ford Taurus fan, and if you look at his web page you know that he's done everything right