Can I start my car without any coolant? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

DieselHead · #1 01-23-2004, 06:11 PM

Hi,
My car started leaking massive amounts of coolant (there probably isn't any left in the system) and my mechanic thinks it's the water pump that has gone bad. The leak is coming from the center (front) of the engine and what looks like above the oil pan. Anyway, the water pump is original and probably should be replaced regardless so that's what I'm going to do. I paid $50 for the part from a dealer. Was that too much?

The car is sitting in my driveway about ten yards from being in my garage (where I'd like to work on it). Can I start the car WITHOUT filling up the cooling system and drive it the 10 yards or will I do severe damage to the engine?

Also, any tips for someone who has never replaced/installed a water pump before?

Thanks for the help.

Alex

#2 01-23-2004, 06:17 PM

...don't let it run too long. The engine will heat up very quickly.

Oil_burner · #3 01-23-2004, 08:43 PM

Can't say for certain on a 300D, but my 300SD that I did last weekend on a balmy 19 degree day was probably the least difficult water pump to replace in any car I have ever owned. I have it from several sources that most of the Mercedes diesels are quite similar. I did not even have to change the tension on the belts, remove the radiator, or shroud. I used standard 10mm open end and 10mm sockets. It took less than one hour (perhaps somewhat motivated by the cold).

Good luck, and may the force be with you!

-DM

#4 01-23-2004, 08:49 PM

After you get the fan off, removing the water pump should be no problem. You don't need to remove the radiator, you should have more than enough room.

DieselHead · #5 01-23-2004, 11:22 PM

Thanks for all the tips. I'm going to print this thread out and take it in the garage with me. I haven't looked at my engine in a while so this probably sounds like a stupid questions, but can it be done from the top? or do I need to do it from under the car. I'll have about three hours to do this job so I don't really have any time to make any mistakes. So, all I need is a 10mm wrench and socket and a gasket scraper? Will I need to do anything with the thermostat? Thanks again, wish me luck.

Dieseldiehard,
At first I had made my own separator but that failed miserably. I ended up just buying one for a 240D and rigging it up to my engine. I'll try and get around to taking some pictures tomorrow and posting them.

Alex

junker68 · #6 01-24-2004, 11:55 PM

Get the water pump from the MB dealer. It is cheaper and better quality. It keeps the engine cooler and it is cheaper than an aftermarket, go figure.

DieselHead · #7 01-25-2004, 12:15 PM

Well, I tried installing it outside in the cold (20 F and windy) but just couldn't get it done before sun down. Oh well, the car will have to sit there for another week or so until I can get back to it and finish up what I was doing. I didn't loosen the fan belt and thus had a heck of a time getting them and the pulley back on. So, that's where I am and hopefully I'll be more successful next week. Thanks for all the tips.

Dieseldiehard, I still owe you a picture of my new setup.

Alex

JHZR2 · #8 02-07-2004, 12:01 AM

Water pump for $50?!?
On fastlane they are $64 and $70. What gives?
I can really get an OEM one with the star and all for ~$50?

What else can I get cheaper at the dealer???

Is it smart ot replace the water pump at 215k, even if the temp stays rock solid steady at 82 all the time?
I am really thinking of doing the radiator, and it would seem likea logical time to do the pump as well, although I have no indication of it being or going bad.

JMH

billrok · #9 02-07-2004, 12:30 PM

I paid $25 for one from NAPA and its been fine for 2 years. Auto Zone also has the actual import pump but was about $38.