On the fuel issue, don't forget to check the inertia switch and the multi-relay. Had a poor connection at the multi-relay on my 98D1 that ran great until it didn't...also heard the gurgling in the tank, and found no faults with fuel pump and pickup hoses.

Connection at multi-relay had high resistance, melted relay housing. Once repaired, all is well again.

For what it's worth, I bought a deferred maintenance special too...three years later the above issue is the only one that had to be repaired prior to driving home.

205,200 miles as of today.

Oh, and $3,500 to buy and $5,000 more into it now (includes 4.6 swap) - prices as shown are parts only, all labor is no cost as I am my own mechanic.

 

I have three cars with me here in VA: 1986 Mercedes 420SEL with 114 miles, 1993 Ford Explorer Sport 2wd V6 manual trans with 80K miles, and the 1999 D1 with 153K miles. If I were to drive cross-country, the D1 would be the last vehicle I'd want to take. The Ford would be first, followed by the Mercedes. I just don't trust the D1 to go any long distances without having issues of one kind or another.

 

Tried to baby the plug out...this entire time I hadn't realized it was plastic. It was so gooped w JB weld that I couldn't tell. As soon as I could get a good hold on it...A slight twist...snap



Lucky for me...I seem to collect British crap and my MG had the exact plug brand new in brass on the thermostat housing.



Bled it. Then discovered the crap hose I bought needed more trimming at both 90* angles on the expansion tank feed line due to slight kinks at both angles. So nice hot coolant everywhere trimmed it again and bled again. Hopefully I've got the overheating solved.



Lucky