When the water pump on my 95 C280 began leaking on a little trip to Vancouver BC I managed to limp it home by refilling the reservoir whenever the engine coolant indicator light came on. Since by looking at the water pump sitting high and tantalizing I thought I could save some money by doing it myself. Well, I'm six or seven hours into the project has unless someone can help me in a big way, I'm about to give up.
But before I do maybe there's special tools or gimmics that would allow me to proceed. Specifically, I need to know 3 things just to get past my present hurdle. 1) There's a tube that goes from the water pump and across the front of the engine that's held on by a 10mm nut. I got the nut off but the tube won't budge. It will swivle a little but I can't get it to come out of the water pump. 2) I need to know how many bolts are holding the water pump to the engine block. I can see two. Are there more that I can't see from the top? (Why does Mercedes love these damn allen bolts? ) 3) Is there any special tools that are used to get these bolts out?
If anyone out there is willing to spend some time to help me with this, I would truly appriciate it. The $600 estimate to have a mechanic do it is daunting for me at this point.
Thanks Bob H

The tube is also held on by a 5mm allen that is below the front upper timing cover.

We do use special tools for many things, this is one!

Techs learn special techniques for doing things over time, just like any other professional.

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Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 11 YRS

I've removed every visable obstical but the water pump won't even budge. Is there some kind of sealer holding it on? Is there more than just the two 5mm hex nuts that I can't see? I 've tried tapping it with a hammer and rapping it with a rubber mallet. Do I need a bigger hammer?
Bob H

How about inspecting your new pump for clues? You might be able to tell what's still holding the old one on.

A bigger hammer will most definitely help! Just kidding!!

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D.H.

04 ML500
02 E430

Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.

The pump has four bolts total holding it to the block. Two on the middle and two on the very bottom.

Good luck.

Most are 6mm allen head bolts. Some are 13mm hex.

__________________
Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 11 YRS

Total of four 6mm allen bolts hold the pump. Three of them are very easy to remove. However, the bottom front one can't even be seen. I recommend looking at the new pump so you can get an idea of where it's at.
The best thing to use is a long swivel (round head) type allen key (socket type is too thick). Go in with the long end and place some kind of extension on the short end, so you can break it loose.

Thanks for the advise and suggestions. I'll give it a try once the rain stop up here in the great northwest. If anyone can think of other tips that might be useful, please let me know. I'll monitor the forum carefully and hopefully. Bob H

Tip: Some old style Ajax Cleanser powder on Allen wrench end helps prevent slippage.

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The Golden Rule

1984 300SD (bought new, sold it in 1988, bought it back 13 yrs. later)