Progress today...of course, right before I leave. I got some fittings and pressurized the system. I heard leaks at the top forward of the engine. They are not from my new hoses, but from the thermostat housing and one bolt of the intake manifold ( the bolt closest to the thermostat. I torqued the bolt down to stop that leak.
My thoughts on the thermostat housing: when I initially took it off I noticed that the gasket surface was not the best machining. See attached photo. I recall my concern then, and so I gooped both sides of that Felpro gasket with sealant. Apparently it wasn't enough. I think I will find a better quality housing.
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