Not the usual coolant hose... or is it?

[micalk]

I have a leaky coolant hose and I'm looking for some guidance on replacement. See attached for location. This is the very short hose below the thermostat housing. I see coolant residue above the hose, there's a puddle under the car after it cools, etc. I think I'll need to buy a gasket and hose to replace it. Wondering if this is a common item or not and how difficult to replace. Looks fairly straightforward, mainly wondering about parts. I had a similar issue on an 84 300d but was out of town and the engine went kaput a while later before I could really get to it. But I remember I couldn't get any parts at local parts shops. Any info would be appreciated.

[andrewjtx]

It's actually very common: http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/OM617WaterPumpBypassHose

[micalk]

Thanks so much! If I had known what to call it I would have searched for it.
Man, I love this site!