the radiator fans actually kicked in!
This is very normal on TD diesels, they produce a phenomenal amount of heat, partic. at higher cruise revs... 1st stage often comes on but soon cools.
A good idea to check things out, fresh 50/50 good, also maybe check the rad for flies, muck etc and if requ'd, a jet wash through (not tooo close!) will help a wee bit.
Also go under and check the long coolant pipes and hoses at either end. You are looking for any signs of weeps, past or present, and badly corroded hose-clips. Ditto heater hoses. Also security of same, large loosely fitted cable ties are OK, maybe with some packing to spread the load (ally sheet, tin snips etc) or thin plastic sheet will do.
Of course, requirement No. 1 is European rescue/recovery and hopefullt full repatriation cover - you know it makes sense
Just keep the power loadings down on long hot climbs, rush ye not unless you are confident she's 100% in all departments. Oil temps sometimes get v.high on TDs, and hence pressures reduce commensurately, so if you have no oil temp/press gauges, and think she's getting a bit hot, take a break!
If you're in a hurry, use a water spray (gardening type) at the radiator and leave it idling... temp gauge will often go past 'Norm', but not much further than one needle thickness, if it does back off! IF v.hot weather, keep speed well up down (60+) long slopes and let it slowly bleed off as you climb, going down a gear if necessary eventually.
Check oil level and tyre pressures accurately every morning until you are happy about their state. Don't overfill oil, but know exactly where it should be after a night of settling on a level surface, you'll then soon know if she starts to use a drop daily, two-daily or weekly
Renew air-filter (or knock & vacuum it out or take a spare) and check fuel filter for water-drain before you go... take a spare fuel filter is a good idea if not recently changed
Then... Have a good time and worry not
