Engine get very hot even the temperature gauge shows normal!

[WhiteAstro]

Hi all,

My van engine get very hot and even feel burning heat from side of the van. The dashboard temperature gauge shows around 190f which is normal. (Right?) I think the gauge is working because it goes to middle from cold start slowly.

The coolant was low so I added 1 gallon of distilled water. Dont recall if it acted same before I add the water.

Is it normal or I my van has a issue?

As always really appreciate all you suggestions,
Ned

[chevymaher]

More info please. Better description. Reasons you feel it is to hot.

Is it the engine getting to hot or the exhaust? Feel the intake carefully when gauge says it is full operating temp. Is the exhaust hot glowing after driving?

Hot is subjective. A thermal heat gun pointed at things would help. Freight by the bay has them cheap.

If the engine isn't boiling water. Popping sound in the cooling system after driving chances are it isn't to hot. Is the system properly burped of air. A air bubble in the cooling system in the intake can give false readings. But usually it is the temp reads to low there and the heads are getting way to hot.

If the exhaust is getting to hot it probably is running to lean.

Anywho check into it more and report findings.

[WhiteAstro]

Thank you for you suggestions Chevymaher, I will get infrared thermostat measure engine.