i was talking to someone and had the vehicle idling for no more than 20min, i decided to show him the engine bay. it was extreme hot, felt like a radiation coming from it and the plastic top piece of the 4.0l was hot that i could not even touch it. is this normal temp. seems quite high? temp gauge on dash shows just 1 strip below half way which to me is normal. ill have to take a temp in the engine compartment.

 

Sure its normal.Cooling system runs at 210 deg, and exhaust is very-very hot. Seems to be even hotter during the summer time.

 

Mines pretty warm too , think it is all normal
Take the plastic cover off and put it away somewhere . It's a sound insulation item....heat will dissipate easier