Lower rad hose still cool after 20 minutes

[makriluc]

Hi Guys.
97 Talon Tsi. I replaced a ruptured coolant line that goes from the head to oil filter housing. Then found out the thermostat was sized close. I replaced the thermostat. But now, even after 15 minutes of idling and/or driving, the thermostat does not seem to open. The lower rad hose is still cool to the touch while the upper one is hot. The e-fan cycles on and off and the engine temp (according to the dash gauge) is normal. I do get good hot air through the heater core, so to me I don't have an air pocket problem in the system.
Am I missing something somewhere
Thanks a million

 

[blcknspo0ln]

Sounds like the thermostat is still getting stuck closed.

 

[makriluc]

Thanks for the input.
But I tested the new thermostat in the kitchen with a thermometer and it opens at around 80c.
Still mesmerized

 

[marcmsj]

My lower hose is always pretty cool to the touch which is an indication that the radiator is doing it's job...

If everything else is checking out normal and your operating temperatures are normal, then it's not something you should worry about.

 

[Mikael SS]

It is somewhat normal for the lower hose to be cool to the touch even when the engine is at operating temp. Just remember, heat rises, I know it`s hard to reach on a Dsm, however, after a good beating on my 2G, the bottom half of the radiator is cooler, wheras the top is roaring hot, & the upper hose is hot as well

water flows from top to bottom, so it is cool from going through the radiator, not because heat rises.

 

[Defiant]

Your radiator's working.
I don't know where some of these other ideas are coming from.