Hoses Oil Cooler 300SD 1982 Hard and slow drip-"should I replace?

[LNGfish]

Dear Forum,

I always try to do research first but I'm new here so sorry if this has been posted before. I find it difficult to search anyway. I'm sure its because I'm a rookey here.

My 300SD has the lower "Hotter" hose dripping at the rubber/joint area. I'm afraid to drive it. I purchased a new hose but now I find out the engine has to be supported and the Left Engine mount removed to remove/install hoses.

I wanted to know if the AC hoses needed to be removed also, as this is what it appears to me, but I'm not sure.

The hoses also swivel at the rubbers (old hoses)which I think they shouldn't because the new ones don't swivel.

The rubber on the old hose is Hard but new very subtle and appears thinner on new hose. New hose says made in Germany and supposed to be OEM.

I was wondering operating pressure on hose, approximately, and also perhaps some feedback on procedure to do this job. I've got jacks.

I also complicated just cutting out the old lines and having new lines fabricated that will install easier. Has anybody here ever heard of this being done? I'd retain the bracket clamps and just add more flex hose in line.

Sincerely,

Steve

[thorsen]

Don't drive it until it has been replaced. If the hose blows, you have a good chance of destroying the engine.

On my 1984 300SD, I was able to replace the hose without lifting the engine. I unscrewed the old hose, removed the two clamps holding it in place, and snaked it out. Snake the new hose in and button it up.

The most difficult part of the job IMO is unscrewing the old hose from the oil cooler. It seems like the aluminum threads on the cooler gall easily. Take your time, use two wrenches, and keep $350 in the back of your mind - that's how much a new cooler costs.

When you are done, would you be interested in sending me about 6" off the ends of the old hose, including the portion that screws onto the oil cooler and oil filter? I am trying to come up with braided hoses that would fit.

[LNGfish]

Dear Thorsen,

I'm thinking of doing the same thing and possibly sending the new hose back to where I got it. I don't know now.

I tried hard yesterday to Fish out old I gave up. I was not sucessful.

You are welcome to the old stuff if I don't use the ends.

Local shop has Hose Service. I think this is the way to go with Braided and less hard pipe but same routing and same clamps. I think Mercedes messed up on this design.

I'm not sure what to specify as material but they should know.

I'll take new pipe to them so they can see what the ends will look like when if I bring them the old ones. I'm doing both hoses as now is the time to do it prior to putting on road.

I'll let you know in a week what I finally do on this. Thanks for supportive response to get this job done. PITA!

Do you agree?



Steve

[thorsen]

I was considering routing the braided hoses so after they left the oil cooler they made a 90 degree bend (using elbows) to the driver's side fender. This would keep them away from the belts. I'm not sure of the exact routing, but I think I would try routing them away from the engine as much as possible.

[1985 300SD Sady]

Originally Posted by thorsen

On my 1984 300SD, I was able to replace the hose without lifting the engine. I unscrewed the old hose, removed the two clamps holding it in place, and snaked it out. Snake the new hose in and button it up.

Exactly, I did the same thing with my 85 sd...

Its not too difficult, you just have to be pacient while snaking the lines out.. it might take a few minutes to figure it out but you can do it without lifting the engine although that is probably much easier.

[rhodes2010]

I called a local hose place and they wanted maybe $60 or $70
to replace the rubber with Steel braid and fittings for easy servicing.
(per line).

They did say they needed my old hoses for the job though,
they were using the existing steel lines.

I ended up buying a replacement German rubber hose.
But I like the steel braid with fittings idea... maybe next time.
I though tabout taking my old hoses in and having them done as spares.

[LNGfish]

Dear Forum Members espeically Rhodes,

Thanks for responses. I have some confidence now. I learned AC bracket bolt is all that needs to be disconnected from AC, leave hoses alone.

Lift engine 2" about.

Leave other engine mount alone (Pass. Side)

Easy if you know what you are doing.

Steve