I’m a criminal attorney working on a case and can’t seem to find an answer to the following question:
How long, on average, does a car engine remain warm to the touch? Specifically, a 1993 Lexis in 50 degree weather in rain and fog?
If anyone knows this and knows where I can find the above information online, I would greatly appreciate it.
You should probably get one and check it out. Or at least a comparable Toyota. Data on something like that could only be observed first hand.
I’d be very surprised if this info has ever been gathered, much less recorded. It’s not the sort of thing that there’s a lot of interest in. Furthermore, there are many more variables than listed in the OP. Which model Lexus? (Do spell it correctly in official documents.) Which engine is in it? Which part of the engine is being touched? What is the definition of “warm” here? I concur with Omegaman - I think you’ll need to generate your own data here.
I’m not sure it’s possible to get an answer that will be of use in court due to the variables. If I were the opposing attorney, I’d ask where you got your numbers. Testing it yourself or pulling it off the net will leave it inadmissable. If someone else does a professional test, I’d want proof that the windspeed, wind direction, temperature, dewpoint, precipitation and local conditions were the same in the tests as on the day in question. That alone is virtually impossible.
Wind blowing under the car might dissipate heat faster, let’s see the data on wind currents flowing around nearby objects, not to mention the math on the convection currents affecting the precise spot where the hood felt warm to the touch.
What was the engine temperature when the car was shut off? Was the thermostat operating properly? Was the coolant filled and working properly? Maintenance records please.
Of course, this may not apply to what you’re arguing, but it seemingly invites being poked at in court.