Have to figure in the intervening variable of the thermostat...

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1980 240d ,

chain elongation, cam marks reference:
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/10414-help-i-need-check-stretch.html

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/305365-9-degrees-chain-stretch.html

evap fin cleaning:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/156207-photo-step-step-post-showing-w123-evaporator-removal-1983-240d-1982-300td.html?highlight=evaporator

A/C thread

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/diesel-discussion/297462-c-recommendations-mb-vehicles.html

Non issue. The thermostat in a benz senses the bypass flow, so it would would work in reverse flow. Lotus uses the same thermostat arrangement, in fact, I've always thought that Benz borrowed their design.

Almost all engines cool from bottom to top... through the liner passages into the head. But there are advantages to reversing the flow. Chevy used reverse flow in LT1 Corvette motors. They claim improved head cooling, which allows higher compression. They also claim that warm liners reduce piston friction, giving better power, fuel economy and emissions. Although unacknowledged, the system may have been concieved by Jon Evans of Evans Coolants.

There are several design issues you would need to solve, the toughest if which is reversing the pump.

I don't know when Lotus did a bypass stat but benz had it in 1961 at least. In 61 Lotus was using all proprietary engines I believe.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Lotus was using Renault and Ford " Kent" 4 cyl with their own cyl head until they developed their own engine circa 1980.

In any event, if the cooling system works and the pipes don't rub anything, leave it go.

Yes. Some of the Kent engines were used with the original heads I believe. The lotus 6 which is very similar to the 7 originally was offered with a flathead Engish ford engine.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotus_Seven

Link to seven section of wikipedia. Actually started out with a flathead motor like the six.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotus_Mark_VI

Lotus 6 at Wiki. This one was built to accept about 6 different motors including the Coventry climax!

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Lotus developed their own all-aluminum engine (9xx series) in the late 60's. The first road version was the 907, which was used in the Jensen Healey from 1972. AFAIK, it was the first production engine with the thermostat on the 'cold' side.