Offroad-Express

Had a look at a 96 Prado today, just wondered about the running temp, took it for a short drive out of town & it was sitting just under half on the gauge, I was just about able to put my hand on the top hose out of the radiator but it was very hot, is this normal? My terrano runs about 1/4 on the gauge at all times unless Im towing on a hot day.

Also it had oil/diesel residue around the throttle / intake control valve assembly where the rubber hose joins the intercooler, is this a sign of anything?

other than that & the hard ride of these trucks seems to be pretty decent all-round.

Generally manuals say any where between c and H normal temp range if in the red zone it's in trouble, if really worried fit a more exact temp gauge, to ease your mind