Fan clutch mounting bolts.. rounded off (vent)

[JamesStein]

Well this year is off to a good start.

My wifes car is awaiting parts for a timing chain replacement so I decided to take care of some maint on my 300CD. I'm in the process of adding heating lines for my WVO system and I had to drain the coolant. So I figured while I'm at it I would replace the water pump since its weeping a little and I'll have all the coolant out of the engine anyway to tap hoses.

Wouldn't you know it.. The last person (wasn't me) to remove the fan cluth from the water pump rounded off all the bolts. So I figured no problem. I'll just remove the water pump and take the fan and all out as a single unit. No such luck. It appears that the same freak has also replaced or at least tried to replace the water pump. All of the bolts on the water pump are damaged as well. In the process of trying to get the pump bolts off I decided the thermostat housing was in the way. So I went to remove the cover and broke one of the bolts off in the housing. After getting that broken bolt free (fortunately it didn't break flush with the housing) I discovered that the water pump was sealed with either JB weld or some other adhesive. Its stuck and its not moving.

What a day.