No need to remove the water pump.
I am trying to replace the gasket for the water pump housing and I have yet to get it off. the water pump is still attached and the bypass hose is off as well. I only needed to removed the t-stat housing to remove the bypass hose. Very easy.

Getting the bottom bolt for the water pump housing is what has me stumped. I am trying to avoid removing the balancer and crank pulleys. The handy little notch in the balancer is not enough (it seems) to get the bottom bolt loose, never mind free.

Any ideas ?

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85 300D 3 pedal. Current project.
83 300TD (need rear wiper assembly dead or alive)
84 300SD Daily driver
85 300TD almost 400k miles and driven daily.
98 E300D *sold
86 300SDL *sold and made flawless 10 hour journey to new home.