300te...1989...the small length hose that goes from the head to the thermostat...must be all of 3" long. Mine is about to burst...some leaking right now...Afraid to drive the car. No dealerships for miles. What size hose is that and HOW do I replace it without taking off the whole water pump, etc? Little devil!

I would suggest trying to remove it and take it to a place like AutoZone and see if they can match up a hose with the same ID. Even if you purchase a hose with some bends in it just cut out the straight section you need. It will probably still be cheaper that way than from the dealer.

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Jim

did you try tightening the clamps?

sorry to ask the obvious.

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.

Actually you don't, but one can cheat a bit. If one cuts a small amount from the water pump one can sneek a new hose on. Worst that can happen is that you screw it up and have to replace the pump. I wouldn't remove the pump to replace the hose and put the old pump back on anyway. Take a hack saw blade and start with a small amount.

In the mean time I'd find some duct tape till you can get the proper hose.

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Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

I noticed that Gorrilla Glue is now making duct tape billed as the strongest tape on earth or something to that effect. You can boil the hose in water on the stove, take the pan of hot water to the car, take it out of the water and try to put it on the car right away - using good gloves, etc.

The space now is very small between the two metal tubes...It would be impossible to slip a hose between the two. You are suggesting I cut the thermo side until I can get the hose in??? Whew!

I recall reading here in this forum how someone managed to get that short hose replaced without removing the water pump (a really big job, that). It has been a long time since I read that thread but I believe the writer needed to do a minor trim on the hose. Try a search in the forum archives.

The hose will be hard to replace with any hose from Autozone since the diameter of the hose is different at each end. If there is no dealer near, you can probably order the hose on-line. In the meantime, you could try taping the hose and/or drive with the pressure cap loose on the coolant tank.

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1986 300E
1993 Volvo 940 Wagon
1984 Volvo 240 (daughter's)
1976 Dodge 1/2T pickup, gas hog