I want to replace it sometime within the next year, but I'm trying to decide if it's easy enough to do myself, or if it's better left to my mechanic. Suggestions?

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Never be ashamed to ask for help.

1985 300D
1987 300SDL
1970 Jaguar E-Type OTS
2002 Dodge Intrepid (Traded In)
2011 Ford Crown Victoria

Won't know until you try it. If you can change the oil you can do it, just take your time. Hardest part will be removing the old gasket. I'd go for it if I were you.

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Jim

Or maybe if you can change a fan belt...

Or an alternator.

There are potential pitfalls. Do your homework, and you'll probably be fine.

Jay.

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On the road, currently:
'83 300D (German spec.) 168k mi. - - Wolfgang (tucked snugly away for the winter!)
'87 300D 375k mi. - finally went over to "The Dark Side"
'87 300TD 225k mi.
Cannondale 66cm CAAD5 w/Campy/Jamis Aurora
Hujsak Custom Fixie/Landshark Track Shark Custom/Ahearne Custom 29'er

It's pretty straightforward, just be sure to replace the old bolts or they will snap easily with some torque. I did mine out in the street in 35* temperature.

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TC
Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
- 2007 Saturn sky redline
- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth

It's a pretty basic job. Nothing to tricky, unless you shear one of the bolts off.
You'll have to remove the fan to get to the pump. Drain the coolant, but still be ready for more to come out when you break loose the pump.

__________________

I'll be sure to replace those bolts. Anything else I should consider replacing while I've got the fan off?

__________________
Never be ashamed to ask for help.

1985 300D
1987 300SDL
1970 Jaguar E-Type OTS
2002 Dodge Intrepid (Traded In)
2011 Ford Crown Victoria

I would recommend checking out the bypass hose, its the 3-4" little hose behind the WP going up to the thermostat housing. Replace if its old or getting cracked around the edges...you don't want to have to do that unless you've got the WP or thermostat housing off (IIRC the EGR gets in the way of that as well?) Unfortunately they only sell the hose in 3 foot lengths, a lot of us have extra hose laying around (I'd offer but I'm not near my MB parts stash). Replace all the belts if they are getting old--you have to take them off anyways.


Edit: also a tip - the fan bolts can be a royal PITA. I was able to use vice grips and a copious amount of PB blaster to get them loose every time I've had it off, but reportely a ground-down box wrench (ground to make it thinner) works well. You only need to get 2 of the bolts out, 3rd and 4th can be loose and you can finagle it out. I'd recommend soaking those overnight in PB/WD-40 or related penetrant. Also after you get the fan and shroud out, slip a piece of cardboard or thin plywood in back of the radiator (engine side) to protect it from the inevitable series of dings and dents while getting the WP out.

__________________
TC
Current stable:
- 2004 Mazda RALLYWANKEL
- 2007 Saturn sky redline
- 2004 Explorer...under surgery.

Past: 135i, GTI, 300E, 300SD, 300SD, Stealth

I am getting ready to change mine this weekend. I need to replace my A/C belt SO I need to remove the P/S belt so while both those are off I am going to replace the two on the alt. and while all that is off I am going to replace the water pump. It's 26 years old and a $31 part. I need to do a little cleaning also on the front of my engine from a small lower old pan leak.

Does not look to be a bad job.

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On the hunt...
1985 300D----Sold
1985 300TD---Sold
1983 300SD---Sold

617 pumps are easy. Next time you have the chance, take a look at some of Ford's latest diesel engines and see how you'ld like to do a pump on one of those.

To replace the bypass hose, it is necessary to remove the water pump housing or the thermostat housing. It is not necessary to remove either to replace the water pump.

That would depend entirely on the particular "they" involved. The hose can be obtained already cut to size, and priced accordingly.

It the bypass hose a particular size that could be obtained from a local auto supplier? Or is the type of hose (material, thickness, etc.) specific to that application where a standard heater hose would not be durable enough?

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Tony
1977 240D WVO converted

Post some Pictures if you can.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

I believe the size will be somewhere in the threads below:
DIY Repair Links
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/forumdisplay.php?f=82
http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/DoItYourSelf

When I changed my Bypass Hose I found that the Metal of the Hose Nipple was deeply corroded.
I ground out and wire brushed the crevices down to the bare metal and filled it in with JB Weld. After the JB Weld cured I filed and sanded it down.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

I found a size
Cooling/Coolant Hose; Bypass Hose to Thermostat Housing; 42mm ID; 13 Inch Length Trim To Fit
Mercedes offers as a bulk hose, must trim to proper length on engine. 1 per car.
Part number 900271-042012

1-5/8" is about thee .03" of an inch too small and 1-3/4" is .096" too large.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel