Heater hose routing
 

Wondering if the PO switched the heater hoses so water is flowing backwards?
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/landrov...ac60237a71.jpgThe hose closest to passenger fender goes to top of the motor. Hose closer to driver's side connects below the thermostat.

It does not matter which way those two hoses are connected, however, that is the correct per RAVE

Bummer, was hoping that was my lack of heat... One hose is definitely cooler. Back to square 1 will reverse flush it again

Couple of items
1. You a missing some bolts in the SAI and on the coolant pipe
2. You may have a clogged heater core, I would recommend a flush and cross your fingers you get all the junk out.
3. The coolant constantly flows through the heater core

How bad am i tempting fate to flush the heater core with some vinegar?

zero, however, I would suggest a garden hose and flush the whole system using the heater core hoses. Swap the hoses with the garden hose so you flush the system both ways.

If you have junk in your heater core, you may have it in other places.

FYI - https://landroverforums.com/forum/di...hot-air-83856/

Just put in a new 180 thermostat but heater was luke warm at best before that. Looks like a more aggressive heater flush is in order

Pulled the hoses and gave it another flush. Not sure if anything came out but got good flow flushing either way. Filled the heater with coolant and buttoned it back up. Toasty hot heat now.
not sure if clog or air bubble.

Dig the new thermostat. Idle temps 199 after dogging it through the neighborhood and pulling into the driveway. Even with a solid heat soak on a 90 degree day never got above 199. 184 driving down the road.

Great to hear, maybe it was a little junk that washed out.