I couldn't get the WP free from the housing on my 300TD when I did this - I pulled both the housing and the WP and knocked it loose off the car. I Used to opportunity to replace the green coolant with Zerex, so I drained the block, too.

Good luck! It's kinda a nasty job. The fan is a bear.

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Current Mercedes
1979 maple yellow 240D 4-speed

Gone and fondly remembered:
1980 orient red 240D 4-speed

Gone and NOT fondly remembered:
1982 Chna Blue 300TD

Other car in the stable:
2013 VW Jetta Sportwagen TDI / 6-speed MT