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! --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.325 / Virus Database: 182 - Release Date: 2/19/2002 |
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