[Knifeblade]

Generally, if the top hose gets warm, the thermostat is doing it's job, when therm. opens, it releases hot coolant through top hose into radiator, to begin cooling process. coolant then exits through lower hose into water pump to begin the cycle all over.

Thus, lower hose should always feel cooler than top hose, but still feel warm vs. as hot as top hose.

If you have blockage, run some good radiator cleaner flush in coolant per flush directions. Get a backflush kit, it simple [sorta, lol] cut a heater core hose and tap into that hose, directions on the kit [Prestone kit is recommended]. Install the kit, it really not hard. Run the flush chemical, then backflush your system.

As Hoags states, use new coolant correct for your system [i.e. for aluminum or regular system].

Does your fan run?