Rad fluid too hot, maybe fan sucks PLUS bleeding rad question?

[dremen]

So I had to replace the top rad hose the other day because it burst on me(newish hose)and im wondering if the cooling system is the culprit because I think my cooling fluid is WAY to friggin hot.

I just got back from a 20 minute drive and after I parked I checked the new hose and it was so freaking hot I couldn't hold it for more then a second.

Now my fan clicks on and off so I know it's working, but is there a chance it's not working properly and as a result the fluid is not being cooled enough?

My temp gauge never reads more then half(pointing str8 up)so it's not telling me there is too much heat so im wondering what's going on?

I have a 92 taurus BTW.

Question# 2. Im planning on replacing the lower rad hose and once the new one is on can i just fill the rad with 50/50 and all is fine OR do I have to bleed the system of air before Im good to drive? When I replaced the top rad hose I just topped up the rad(4 liters or so)after and started driving so not sure if that was ok or bad....lol

Thanks all

[Airjer_]

A cooling system will normally run between 195 and 220 degrees (you can do the conversion). How long can you stick your hand in a boiling pot of water?

Topping off after replacing the upper hose was fine. You need to run it without the cap after you replace the lower since not only will you drain the radiator but you will also drain some coolant out of the block. Running it with the cap off will help remove any air that gets trapped in the block and radiator.

[mechhound]

Normal thermostat temperature is somewhere around 192*(20* less than boiling) so your top radiator hose will be hot. Your bottom radiator hose will probably be considerably cooler if your fan is running as the coolant cools considerably as it goes through the radiator, but not necessarily cool enough to hold your hand on. Bottom line here, I don't think you have a cooling problem especially when you take into account what the temperature guage reads.

Question No. 2: Some systems will bleed right out and some can be the pits to bleed. I have found a good way to bleed the system is remove a heater hose by the engine, but the heater hoses may be permanently attached(great modern engineering).

[fubard]

I'd suspect a 1992 rad needs to be replaced. I find I had to replace the rad in my old 1995 about every 18 months. Thankfully they're fairly cheap.

[Willyum]

If you are mixing tap water in most U.S. locations, a good chance the mineral content will soon restrict or clog the flow. Distilled water is what you want to use.