Water Pump Question

[Ten13]

Hi, All..

Can anyone offer advice on how one might determine which water pump is correct for my car, before taking everything apart? I'd like to have everything at arms reach before starting the project, to minimize downtime.

Available are two variations; one being a "long 4 hole". According to Pelican, both fit my '78 280ce. The engine # for my car is: 110.984.12.057.787 - it was replaced by the previous owner.

My reason for replacement is that I have no record of it ever being done. While at it, I plan to replace every coolant-related hose and part I can. The radiator was replaced in 12/15, and I've come to realize that my car has no reservoir system; the overflow just drains to the ground via a hose. Is this a major deal, or typical of replacement radiators?

Thanks in advance for any advice!
-greg

[tyl604]

In my view the water pump is one of those indestructible things that you do not need to worry about until it starts leaking.

I have a 1981 300SD and began hearing a squealing from my water pump. Bought another and made sure I got the one with cast fins instead of the sheet metal fins. After I replaced it, it turned out that I had been hearing the AC squeal and not the water pump.

I put in the new water pump just because but there was absolutely nothing wrong with the original after 36 years of use. Absolutely perfect like new.

They really made them well in those days.

So, that's my two cents worth.

[Sugar Bear]

Replacing a known good water pump "just because" may not be in your favor, if you do it, use a high quality pump. Same for hoses, the old OE hoses were high quality and lasted a very long time. If a hose is bad change it for sure but if you are changing them just for maintenance I would use OE hoses and OE clamps.

IIRC, no coolant recovery tank as original; but, you could add one.

I know you only asked about which pump but took the liberty of digressing

Good luck!!!

[tyl604]

Yep I did use a high quality pump with cast iron fins.

[Ten13]

Thanks for the insights... Makes sense. There isn't anything wrong with the system, just the unknown maintenance history. I do recall my next door neighbor when we lived in San Francisco replaced his first water pump in his '78 Diesel at the 700k mark.

Thanks again! I'm going to leave it be... The hoses were replaced along with the radiator in 2015, and look fine on closer inspection.