Water Pump
 

The other day I found out that my water pump had packed it in so I have ordered a new one. I have taken out the radiator and had a look at the old one. I was woundering how to take the old one out because it looks very awkward. I am also replacing the V belt at the same time.

what car?

1988 300E (Euro) M103

Do a search and find the threads on 103 water pumps. They are difficult but can be done by the competent backyard mechanic.
Let me give you some advice on someone that has replaced a 103 water pump. Have the new one there to look at the position of the bolts that you are taking out,(because thats the only way you know where they are)You are working blind and can't feel the bolts with your hands either. The bolts can only be reached with different combinations of sockets swivel heads and wobble extensions. Take tour time on re-installation because you don't want to do this job over.

Jan,

My advice as a professional mechanic would be to bite the bullet and take it to a German car shop. I don't know where you are, and I suppose Australia is kinda big, but I could recommend one in Melbourne. There are alot of things you can do on a 124 chassis by yourself, but this isn't one of them. Your don't necessarily need special tools, but you need professional tools. You should have every length extension possible as an example. If you round out the allen heads on either the tandem pump bracket or the fan clutch, you are in deep dodo.

Good luck,
Peter

Jan,

I just reviewed the post and saw that it is a euro. If you don't have a/c, it may not be that hard.

Peter

No I do have and air con. I also work on aircraft so I have a large variety of tools.
Thanks for your help

Diyer doing a water pump change is possible but it does rank pretty high up on the pita scale just because of access to those fasteners.

AusMB - If you work on aircraft and have a decent set of 1/4 drive extensions and socket ( and wobblies ), it should not be too much of a problem. If you have ever worked on JT3D powered Boeing 707's and know the N2 tachometer, the ful flow transmitter or the hydraulic pump quad clamp, then the 103 water pump is a walk in the park ! The allen heads need a bit of care as does aligning the new pump and sealing it. Good luck . . .

124 waterpumps are a pain if it is you first time. I do them about 2 a week so no biggie here. It should only take about 2 hrs for the beginner. If you put some valve grinding compound on your allen they wont round .:D