When I ran my wires for my aux lighting - I ran one set of wires behind the front grill right next to the radiator (might even touch in some places) - now, I know the thing gets hot - but I noticed some other hoses etc next to the thing.

Should the 10 gauge wire touching the radiator be OK - or will there be problems with melting, performance - giant explosions etc?

 

I've got conduit wrap on the wires to my aux lights. it should help from the heat some. have you tried zippy tieing the wires away from the radiator? my wires have about a half inch of clearance from the radiator.

 

Bought some zip ties - but really I have been too lazy to actually disconnect the lights and pull the wires again - anyways the conduit sounds like a good idea too - hadnt really thought about it.

but the question is - is any of this neccesary, or is it just a precaution?

Can the radiator really get hot enough to melt the insulation off the wires?

 

[[but the question is - is any of this neccesary, ]]

It really is, the combination of drawing current through the wires (generates heat,) hot radiator (heat) in hot engine compartment (yep, more heat) can surely soften the insulation. Then, never discount the likelihood that anything that touches will rub and chafe... Always protect any wires that are outside the interior, and always secure them away from heat sources and chafe areas.

 

If I were you I would run down to the electronics store (maybe Radio Shack)
and get some heat shrink tubing and palce around wiring. Just leave there and I'm sure the heat from everything will shrink it just fine. The heat shrink is pretty abrasion resistant also.