Quote:
Originally Posted by Jorn
The water pump on the M103 and early m104 is the worst and most frustrated job you can do on these engines. Mercedes started with the water pump and build the car around it. If you can find one, get a mercedes water pump and make sure to order the small hose from the pump to the block as well. Another marvel of engineering..
On my 300SE M103 I did it while the head was off, with the 300CE M104 I wasn't that lucky. Took me a week of frustration, it's just luck when you hit the bolts to fasten them. At most m103 or m104's you will find the back/hidden bolt loose, most mechanics will give up.
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I like your description. Mercs of that era were very well engineered, but I often question the complexity of some designs. The most elegant solution is usually the simplest that does the job, and its usually the least expensive.
Consider the M103 throttle linkage. My '63 Corvette has three basic fabricated pieces (no cable) from the carburetor throttle lever to the throttle pedal... very simple, reliable, and low cost.
BTW, that M103 throttle linkage design had a serious flaw that resulted in a recall of models that use it, EXCEPT the 190E 2.6. I chronicled my experience with this issue in the following thread about ten years ago.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/354593-m103-owners-check-throttle-linkage-plastic-retainer-2.html
Duke