radiator question

Lost in Sweden · Post by **Lost in Sweden** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 4:01 pm

I just noticed that when I run my dexta, the lower hose coming from the base of the radiator (L side) is quite cool, despite the upper hoses and engine block warm after 5' or so of running. Does not seem that any heat is transferred to the radiator (and then returning via this bottom hose). That normal? Does it have to do with proper functioning of the thermostat? Or is my pump broken? I can squeeze on this bottom hose and see the water level just below the radiator cap go up and down, and I can drain the system from this lower hose, so there is no blockage.

jambug123 · Post by **jambug123** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 4:30 pm

that is normal the hot water goes into the top of the rad and is cooled as it drops down the rad showing it is doing its job of cooling the water, if you do not have the front cowling on and run the engine you will notice that the top is hot and it starts getting cooler to touch as you go down the rad.

Regards
James

Bensdexta · Post by **Bensdexta** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 8:44 pm

What temperature does the Temperature gauge show?
It's easy to check the thermostat - just remove it and place it in a pot on the stove and see if it opens at the correct temp.
All the best,

Lost in Sweden · Post by **Lost in Sweden** » Tue Mar 16, 2010 9:35 am

Let me rephrase my question. Does the engine section of the cooling system warm up first, then the thermostat opens and allows the excess hot water to cool via the radiator? In my case I cant see how some sections of the cooling system (ie the housing where the temperature sensor is) can be hot after 5' of running, while the lower return tube from the radiator (lower left side) is still cold. I dont think the radiator is so efficient (cooling from 60-70c going in to 10c coming out)!

Lost in Sweden · Post by **Lost in Sweden** » Tue Mar 16, 2010 12:46 pm

Ahh, just read about radiators and car engine thermostats, so I answered my question!