Radiator hoses

How do I check if they are bad or not? Do I check the softness before starting the engine or after shutting it off?

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87 GN Hardtop~Stock motor, Mease stock intercooler w/Duttweiler big neck,stock intake, stock tb and plenum, TE51 w/.63 housing, stock D5, MSD 50's, THDP, ATR 3" dual exhaust, big mouth cold air inducition, SMC alchy injection and egt gauge, MM boost command, PTE remote oiling system, Walboro 340 hotwired, 10 mm Magnecor wires, AC R43 plugs @.035 Adjustable regulator, ATR 3" maf pipe, B&M tranny cooler, Deep aluminum tranny pan, Dynotech shift kit, scanmaster 2.1, 21* Testa alchy chip, dual airbags, vdo gauges, autometer boost gauge, front braces and rear seat brace, Bilstein shocks, more mods to come