After installing new rad, there is plastic burning smell rising between rad and the fan assembly. Temp gauge shows normal, needle is horizontal. Is this normal?

Well. Rad is TYC 1752 from Rockauto. Someone here said it uses koyo core. IMO, it is not, there is no logo whatsoever on unit, box says made in china.

 

i have a very hard time believing the radiator is getting hot enough to burn the plastic material of the radiator shroud. i think you may have something else causing this.

 

Exhaust is more likely. Are you running headers? Heat shield?

 

Hook it up with OBD II (live view), coolant temperature is shown 187-190F. So the rad should have the same temp as well. The old rad sprayed coolant onto heat shield (aluminum) so I did give it a wash. It could be from that.

 

Typical new painted part getting hot first few times smell?
Hot water isn't going to burn anything aside from your skin...