Overheating Escort

Hi
I've got a '97 Escort that runs fine when cool, but as the engine heats up, it looses power on hills and even slow take off from a stop.
I've had the tranny checked at a trans shop, checked codes on the electric cooling fan (reports OK), catalytic converter ok, good voltage from alternator (rebuilt last week), pulled valve cover and checked lifters (ok), If outside temp is cool, I can run A/C and allz ok. As soon as the outside temp gets to around 95, I have to turn off the ac, or temp rises to almost red. (I always turn off the ac before it gets really hot).
I've checked vacuum hoses and they appear fine.
Any suggestions? Thanks, Tim

Do you have the 2.0 SPI engine? You say it overheats with the AC on. Is this in town (stop and go traffic) or out on the highway? Have you actually seen the fan come on when you turn on the AC? How many miles are on your 97? Has the timing belt been replaced? You say it lacks power. Is this only when it is warm with the AC on or is it all the time when it is warm? Without the AC on does does the temp. gauge stay in the normal range?

You might want to check your thermostat or just replace it as it
is a $2-3 part. All cars seem to lose power when they get too
hot, I had a simaler problem with my'94. It would not completly
overheat but always ran "hot". I replaced my radaitor and the
problem is totally solved. Over time scale can build up wich will
reduce water flow and even though the radaitor will look perfect
externally it's causeing a major prob. I got mine from NAPA, it's
a Modine radaitor and I'm really happy with the quality, about
$100 for it. Hope this helps....

I agree with Butch100. I had to change my radiator. I changed the thermostat as preventive maintenance when I replaced hoses. Take off the grill and drive around. It should run cooler. If so, it's the radiator.