Hi guys. I couldnt find an old thread about this so i hope to find solutions. I live overseas in a country with lousy mechanics, so i may be on my own

I have a 95 limited with automatic tranny.

When i drive the car even short distances, it becomes VERY hot. The temp guage on the dash reads normal, and there isnt steam or indications of engine overheating.

However, the engine compartment gets so amazingly hot, that you can feel it when you get out of the car, and it heats of the passenger compartment. I literally cant touch any part of the engine after just after a short drive.

I do live in a tropical country (but it rarely gets about 85 outside) and the car IS black. I know this doesnt help, but the temp seems VERY excessive. I have owned about 8 cars in my life and this is over the top.

The car is very well maintained by the way...new radior, thermosts etc.

thanks!

You mean the hood or fenders not the ENGINE block, right? Because engine block does and supose to get too hot to the touch.

The engine block is covered by the air intake and such. I mean any auxillary parts are also too hot...the air intake, the interior supports, the hood etc.

For example, when it rains, steam comes off the hood, i would say that the hood could certainly cook food.

Holly cow, that does sound bad. When you drive for a while and then park leave the engine running for few minutes and check if the fan cycling on. Next thing I'd check is head gasket 3.4 liter engine is notorious for head gasket failures.

Ill check the fan...but i would think that if it werent coming on, then the engine would overheat. the temp guage reads normal (i am 90% sure the guage is ok)

I did notice that ther underhood insulation isnt there any more... could this refect or radiate the heat?