Is it ok for your Radiator and hoses to be very hot to the touch???

Question

I have a Chevy 350 engine and i just want to know if it is common for the radiator and hoses to be very hot to the touch??? Need a Expert oppinion Please...Someone with experience!!!

Answer 1

They should be pretty hot (too hot to hold onto) but not too hot. Somewhere between 80-90 degrees Celsius. I wouldn't consider feeling the pipes to be an accurate way to determine an overheating problem though. Most cars have a temperature gage which will far more accurate with colored zones to indicate overheating and normal running temperatures.

Answer 2

Absolutely normal, the time to worry is when it's cold! (after a run that is)

Answer 3

The radiator dissipates the heat that is generated by the combustion of the gasoline in the cylinders. The heat is transferred through the metal of the engine to the water, which is pumped through the radiator by the water pump. The thermostat controls the flow of water in order to keep the engine at the optimal operating temperature. For example, a thermostat with the temperature rating of 195 degrees starts to open at 195 degrees and is fully open at 217 degrees. You will think that is too hot, but the modern engines are designed to operate at these temperatures in order to attain the maximum efficiency with the least bad emissions. It is imperative that the coolant/antifreeze is kept in good ratio and condition to keep the water from boiling. The pressurized system also raises the boiling point of the mixture.

If the radiator is not extremely warm to the touch, then there is a problem that may do damage to the engine.

Answer 4

the radiator should be extremely hot! well over 140 degrees F!