I'm currently trying to remove and replace the water pump in my M110 powered W123. It's a euro market model and has a different long shaft pump than the US 280E. I have two questions.

One, I'm having trouble removing the harmonic damper's 6 bolts. Does anyone have any tricks in removing those 6mm hex allen bolts?

Second, what's the consensus regarding using RTV sealant with the new water pump gaskets? I've read a tech article that says to use it, but if it wasn't used at the factory, I'm hesitant to do so now.

Thanks.