I took my 82 diesel and the kids for a 'RV' ride yesterday afternoon - a 120
mile drive around the South Platte River and foothills SW of Denver (67,
126, 96, etc) - average speed 22 mph!  Anyway, she was great - very slow up
the hills as I expected.  A couple of long hills had to be done in 2nd gear
at about 20 mph and one off road section simply had to be done in 1st.  I
noticed that these extended hills in 2nd gear really brought the coolant
temperature up and had me worried - first time the temp had gone above half
since I've owned the van (3 weeks or so) and I wasn't really sure what shape
the cooling system was in.  Anyway, I was wondering when I should start
worrying.  Is 3/4 about as high as I should chance it?  When should the fan
kick in?  I didn't hear my radiator fan at all.  Is the light behind the
coolant temp gauge for coolant level or coolant temperature?  Maybe I should
have the cooling system 'pressure tested' for piece of mind?

I also noticed that I got blackish smoke when going up hill in 3rd at approx
25 mph, but by changing to 2nd and 20 mph it cleared.  The engine seems to
be struggling more at low revs uphill that at high revs uphill.

This is certainly a take-your-time vehicle.  Kind of forces you to
appreciate the scenary, which is great.  Better than walking, also!

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