SOS - W124 Water Pump - SOS

[95E320cab]

Thanks for checking my post. I've been running hot and determined that I needed a new radiator, fan clutch and thermostat. I figured while at it, go ahead and do the water pump. Ordered all the parts from Phil and a local indy set up to do the replacement. He's not a MB expert, but has many years experience.

Last night he call while I was at the baseball game to tell me he can't get the old water pump off. Has stripped at least one of the allen bolts. Suggested that since it's not leaking, just leave it. True, I don't think the pump was shot, but it was getting long in the teeth.

Any ideas of how to free this strippeed allen? I don't know which one, haven't seen the extent of the damage. Thanks for any suggestions!

Dave

[Kestas]

The last time I couldn't get an allen bolt off I ground off the head with a dremel, removed the unit, and dealt with the remaining stud. Make sure antiseize compound is used on the threads when it goes back together.

[david s poole]

there are 12 point and 6 point allen head like sockets that can be driven with a hammer into the stripped bolt and this will get it out.i do this every day.in fact i have just this morning used that method to remove two motor mount bolts from under a 1986 190e.they were in so tight that a cheater bar was necessary on a half inch breaker bar and this 12 point allen held even with the force required to remove those.

[95E320cab]

Thanks guys. The mechanic gave up and reassembled the car with all the new parts, sans the water pump. Guess I'll have to deal with that one when it actually goes out. He'd never heard of a dremel tool.

I'll let you know the eventual resolution.

[softconsult]

A mechanic that has never heard of a Dremel tool? Sheesh!

You need a new mechanic. Preferably a MB specialist.

Steve

[Arthur Dalton]

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He probably never heard of a metric allen either...use the wrong allen/hex on these and they will strip every time...

[95E320cab]

It never occured to me that he would not have metric allen wrenches. That is really unconscionable. I'd have loaned him mine if he just asked.

[gmercoleza]

I have also had success hammering in a slightly oversized torx bit and using that to turn it.