Hey...thanks guys for the replies! Since the pump actually is working and it's only the gasket I think I'll opt to go for the disassemble quickly and reseal the pump with form-a-gasket or similar. If you are in Alberta, Cornblatt I doubt I would have a problem down here in the southwest, New Mexico! But, if the form-a-gasket doesn't work I'll go with the copper tube bypass.

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1996 SL320 97K miles
1996 C220 130k miles
1992 500SEL 170k miles <---sold
1986 300E 216k miles <---sold