thank you.

This may sounds like a dum question though, what would be the harm to taking a hacksaw and cutting a 1/2 inch off the pipe that connects to the block? This would allow me replace the hose in 2 minutes.
Is there any reason why the bypass hose has to be so short? Any reason why the thermostat is so close to that pipe? My hunch tells me that the reason why it is so close is because of the pressure from.the water pump may cause a leak if not so close.

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