Yesterday on my way home from work, my temperature gauge pegged at 250. When I opened the hood I noticed a bunch of water leaking from what seemed to be the water pump. On closer inspection today, it appears to be coming from behind the pump, the pump housing. Are there known problems with these housings leaking? I haven't actually taken it apart yet, so I don't know for sure. If it turns out to be the housing, where is a good place to get a replacement?

Thanks

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Location
Southern California

Paul
1980 300SD (350K)

with a hole in it many years ago in my 190c. the bearings went south and the impeller flopped around so much that it chewed a hole in the housing. i was pretty poor back then so when they quoted a $50 price for the housing i decided that i would try to patch it. i got liquid steel and some fiberglass screen for reinforcment. i patched it meticulously and never had a problem with it. i bought the new impeller.

this could be your problem too.

tom w

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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.

Only when they get over 300k.

I've probably got one out in the garage if you need it. Let me know. Pretty straight forward job to change out. Just don't overtorque any fasteners.

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Jim

Thanks for the reply. I'm sure hoping it isn't the housing. I'm going to tackle the job next weekend. I appreciate the offer for the housing. If I need it, what would it set me back?

By the way, how much longer should I expect the engine to last? It sure seems rock solid right now. Starts on the first crank almost every time. Doesn't blow smoke, but leaks oil like the dickens. I'm running 10w40 in it right now, would a different weight reduce the oil loss? Sorry for all the questions. The car drives like a dream and I want to keep it for as long as I can.

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Location
Southern California

Paul
1980 300SD (350K)

list 10w40 as one of the oils recommended? i have read that 10w40 should be avoided. too thin oil will leak faster. but this will not stop a serious leak. only make it somewhat worse.

tom w

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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.

That's part of the problem, I don't have the owners manual. Maybe I'll call a Benz dealer and ask them and if that doesn't work, I'll run 20w50. Do you know how synthetic performs in a diesel engine with 350K ?

__________________
Location
Southern California

Paul
1980 300SD (350K)

by the synthetic but i would use rotella or one of the other non synthetics on a car with that mileage and change it every 3000.

tom w

__________________
[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.