In message , "Dave Plowman (News)"
writes

I do remember my days of A series engines, and many of the 'aluminium'
looking parts in the water jacket would have pretty severe signs of
corrosion. Like the internals of the water pump. Later anti-freeze (really
made for all ally engines) tended to be pretty good at preventing
corrosion on most materials in use. Until plastic came along with its own
problems. ;-)

Making progress. Got the bottom hose off, and yes, I can see the split.
Also got the heater valve off, and although the spigot (right word?) had
completely corroded away, the assembly itself just lifted off the block.
That, of course, was after I had undone the nuts, which was after
removing the battery to gain access ...

I'm not complaining, though. The car has cost me very little to run,
apart from the usual consumables. The coil exploded once, the fuel
gauge works sometimes and a few other little niggles that I'll sort one
day, other than that, all OK.
--
Graeme