radiator

[M.P.H.]

have a 89 16V which is off the road at the moment, just starting it weekly and driving it round the block. problem is when left to warm the top hose on the rad gets hot but the bottom hose remains cold, even after a run round the block. is the rad blocked, any help would be greatful thanks.

[...joe]

nah just takes time for it to get round, if anything the thermostat might not be openning but i wouldn't worry too much. the top hose always gets hotter so either let it run for a while, standing still, till the fan kicks in then have a good feel. if it is the thermosstat its easy to get at and check.
what temp does your oil get up to? you may just not be running it for long enough...

[M.P.H.]

thanks for the help

[rubjonny]

The stat should open when the temp gauge gets to about half way, which is the normal operating temperature of the engine.  Leave it running on the driveway and rev the engine to 2k every now & again to get the temp up then see.  After the stat has opened the fan should kick in, I think its just before 3/4 on the gauge.