M103 water pump mod -- comments?
 

When I put the water pump back on my M103, I got to thinking that it would be easier all around if I put the allen head bolt next to the dipstick and use the 13mm head bolt towards the front. I have a 6-7" long 6mm allen key with a wobble tip and with small vice grips on the short end, it seems to work just fine. I don't have to pull the dipstick and risk getting coolant in the sump.

Outside of not being able to torque the bolt properly, are there any potential problems with this set-up?

To get the bolt out the first time I used a 1/4" drive 13mm socket with u-joint and extension. It worked. I can't imagine how much better the Snap-On tool can be.

Thanks,
Sixto
95 S420
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD