Thanks. I had to twist and pull real hard on the hoses, and the rubber on the outside broke apart. Usually I drive less than 5km (3mi) at a time, but this weekend we drove a total or 150km (100mi) to visit family. Last week we got rear safety belts fitted and can now legally transport the kids in both Volvo's. Anyway, the temperature stayed between cold and the minimum mark, and it was around 20 degrees Celsius (normal room temperature). Normally it is about 1/3 above minimum. This means that the dirt has gotten into the thermostat as well. Will flush it this coming weekend.

With the engine mounts, I was wondering what was that nocking sound when I go through a dip in the road... On my Mom's 1976 Mazda F1000 pick-up, upgraded with a Mazda 323 1.3L and 5 speed, we had to lift the engine to change the oil filter! This was because the steering box was in the way. The solution was to jack it up under the bell housing. The 144 is cars iron, so the weight might be a bit much to do that. Any thoughts? I was thinking of lifting it on the front edge where the pan bolts on, or on the engine mount bracket.

I'm aware of the neoprene conversion, and have access to a nice mill with numeric readout. The felt seal is at least 20 years old and looks like plastic... Next project. Will contact you.