By the way, no one mentioned new gaskets of any kind.

If I removed the water pump to get at the bypass hose, do i need to buy new gaskets for the water pump or thermostat?

can i just remove the water pump, put the hose one and then put the pump back on without doing anything else?

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1990 Mercedes 300 SEL (320,000 miles)
1994 Mercedes E420 (140,000 miles)

This was years ago but I think there's only an o-ring between the block and the water pump. I wouldn't reuse it.

Sixto
87 300D

There is an O ring between Pump and engine block and an O ring for the thermostat. A few bucks at a stealership or from this forum sponsor.

Thank you!!

I was able to get a hose on there without taking the water pump off.

What I did is I went down to Autozone and bought a hose and cut it 1/2 the length as the hose from the dealer.

I then sprayed the hose with liquid grease. To my surprise, it fit on with not too much difficulty. As because the length was shorter than normal, I used 3 clamps instead of 2.

So far so good.

I still have the new-stock hose from Mercedes and plan on replacing if and when the water pump eventually goes. I can't remember when I replaced that pump last so it must be awhile.

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1990 Mercedes 300 SEL (320,000 miles)
1994 Mercedes E420 (140,000 miles)