replacing 300e water pump- NEED input

[ebennz]

well the water pump died at 99,180 miles.

what i need are opinions/experience on this matter, should i replace the thermostat and all the hoses also? about 2 months ago my radiator went, stupid me thought all the hoses would be replaced too. NOT! $486.00 + tax doesn't buy as much as it used to. i didn't ask, so i can't cry too loud.

also should i go with a new or used waterpump?

what do you guys think?

thanks

peter

[300EVIL]

Peter,
I'm Not a tech but i would suggest replacing your thremostat and at least the short hose between the head and your pump. if you have the old plastic thermostat housing i would also suggest replacing that for the aftermarket aluminum one. i remember my neck beaking on mine right after i changed my pump. NOT FUN this means tow truck time! in answer to your other question, I purchased a aftermarket Japanese pump (possibly reman.) 2 years/50,000 miles ago and it works fine so far.
Good Luck, and God Bless America!
Adam

[300EVIL]

AAAH!
there i go shooting my Mouth/keys off again. i was under the assumption you had an older 124. this info only applys to the M103 engines. and the Thermostat housing dose not applu either way with your vintage. Although i am interested to know if your 300E has the 24 valve or the M103??
sorry,
Adam

[ebennz]

hey adam,

thanks for your response.
i have the m103, i wish it was the 24 valve! next time.

did you say you got a warranty with your reman. water pump?
if you don't mind my asking, about what did you pay for it and where did you pick it up?

i got my headlight adjuster set up this weekend. it is really SLICK!
my wife says i'm a kid with a new toy [again].

shipping your part tomorrow.

peter

[Mike Murrell]

As far as water pumps for a 103 engine go, the dealer item with the STAR is the best. I paid $100 about 2 yrs. ago for one. I would not use a reman. While you have the pump off, also change the short hose(1.5"-2.0" long) that runs between the T-stat housing and the cyl. head. This is an opportune time to replace this bugger. The MB part # for this hose is 103-203-00-82.
The other hoses are easy to replace. Their age and condition will determine if replacement is necessary.

As far as how to do a 103 water pump goes, look through the archives. Much has been written on this subject. The MB CD-Rom is VERY useful here too. Unless you're BencMac, there is alot that has to come off in order to do a 103 water pump.

Good luck.

[300EVIL]

Peter,
I paid around $80 for my pump but i would definately splurge and get a new/better one for an extra $20. Like i said though im not sure mine is a reman. I was cheap on my Benz back then. Also, Make sure you use Dexcool or MB equivilant coolant in your system. (if you didn't already know) By the way, i will be sending your funds out tommarow not Friday. Sorry for the delay.
Adam

[300EE320]

I replaced the water pump on the 300E (103 engine) at about 120,000 miles. I went with a new MB pump as well (about $100). My belt tensioner was showing signs of wear too, so I swapped it while it was apart (about $120 I think). I also replaced the short hoses, the thermostat and the serpentine belt. It's been a while ago, but I think I spent about 4 hours on it.

[G-Benz]

I find that my repair decisions are based on convenience rather than price...if you have to pull this part off and that part off to get to the offending component, (assuming a older, high mileage car, and the said parts are original, or aging), you might as well replace those as well.

For all of the labor involved, it's easier than just replacing what's needed, only to have to go back a few months later to replace other parts (and expend hours of labor) that were readily accessible earlier.

So when I replaced my alternator, I went ahead and sprung for a new serpentine belt. If I ever have to do the head gasket, I would probably do the seals and timing chain as well? Get the idea?

[mplafleur]

G-Benz offers good advise. Replace the little crap while you can. I had to replace the pump on my 103 motor. Getting that pump off was a pain in the A$$! I don't want to go back there for anything again.

[ebennz]

thank you everybody for your input!

i've got a reman m.b. waterpump on the way.[new thermostat.radiator hoses also]

i am going to also get a new serpentine belt also.

hopefully the "wharp drive" will be back on line in a few days.

peter

Not that enough has been said already but I would strongly urge you to NOT USE A REMAN PUMP!!! For the price and the effort, whats $20.00 when your on the side of the road??? (It's the tip for the tow truck guy). I am new to this site but have been certified since '85. (Not in the grease game any more though) I have seen them go before.

[ctaylor738]

If you have a few extra bucks, do the fan bearing/carrier assembly while you're in there. This is another M103 trouble spot. Mine went at 192K and it had been replaced at least once before.

My .02