Cooling question

[Pomorza]

Hey guys.

This isn't a problem but I'm just curious about something. My Z usually runs at about 180 or so on the temp gauge. Recently I was working on my Z after taking it for a drive. I noticed that the upper radiator hose was much hotter than the lower one. Is that normal? A friend told me that usually the thermostat my be clogged or stuck when such a thing occurs. The car does not over heat, does not run hot and doesn't seem to have any problems. I'm just wondering if I should replace the thermostat, although its only three months old.

Jan

[zbane]

Actually, that's normal (so far as I know). Since the upper hose is the outlet from the hot engine, it should be quite a bit warmer than the lower-having such a noticeable difference between the two hoses shows that your radiator is doing what it's meant to do-cool the water.

If both hoses were roughly the same temp, well that's a different matter...

[JonnyRock]

Like zbane said, the whole purpose of your radiator is to lower the coolant temperature (to radiate heat away from the coolant) by exchanging it with the air. It's totally normal for there to be a temperature difference.

[Pomorza]

Thanks guys for the response it eases my worries and curiosity.

Jan