Nothing exciting, but an update on what I've been doing.
Whilst waiting for the hoses I've been doing some cleaning up or replacing of bits to go back on:
The new thermostat elbow, versus the old one, with new paper gasket - I hope this will be OK, as I noted from a parts list that it should be a metal crush gasket? Seems a bit overkill...?

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Now fixed with s/s bolts. I managed to tap 7 full threads into the bottom of the lower fixing hole. Using a slightly longer bolt, some careful measuring and a washer, I 'm maximising the use of those threads. Looking at the original bolts, it appears about 7-9 threads were utilised. Both bolts tightened up nicely. Proof will be when I look for any leaks later! I tested the thermostat too, which is operating to spec.

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Rad surrounds, battery tray, battery clamp and idler bracket all returned to bare metal:

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First part of POR-15 full treatment, a thorough degrease in hot "Marine Clean":

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That was followed by 30 minutes of soaking in "POR-15 "Metal Prep", thorough drying, then 2 coats of POR-15 "Chassis Black". The finish isn't as good as I'd like, but not much is visible, and I'm more concerned about keeping corrosion at bay then appearance:

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I've also thoroughly cleaned the plastic rad shroud and all the areas in the engine bay that have been accessible with the rad removed!
I'll start putting stuff back in tomorrow, whilst I await arrival of:
- new hoses
- stainless steel Mikalor clamps
- foam strip for radiator
- a few trim clips
I will use s/steel bolts to replace the original ones wherever possible.
Cleaned up the fan and viscous clutch too:

- Fan after clean.jpg (159.38 KiB) Viewed 3659 times
Hopefully, the engine bay will start to look a bit cleaner and neater at the end of this
All this, because I inspected the idler bracket bushes
