The pictured coolant hose is leaking a little.

The area looks kind of tight. I can't see all the way around the hose which makes me nervous.

Any suggestions to make this job easier?

Attached Thumbnails

 

__________________
JWJ
1983 MB 300D - > 430,000 miles - Deep Blue - Bilstein Comforts - 0-60 in 24 seconds - 27MPG
1985 MB 300TD (wagon) - > 275,000 miles - Manila Beige - Thule rack - 0-60 in 18 seconds - 22 - 25MPG
Biodiesel, Mobil Delvac 1, and Viton fuel lines!

There's a kit from **************.com for this:

http://www.**************.com/node/793

Here's the text from their site: "This short coolant hose is located right below your engine thermostat housing. Replacing it requires removal of the thermostat housing from the cylinder head. This is not a difficult job, but it is very important as it often gets overlooked when the other hoses are changed. If this hose splits open when you are driving, it could overheat and ruin your engine. Best to change this hose before it gives out. Take a close look at it. If you see a lot of oil in and around the hose change it now!

Our kit includes a correct short section of very special heavy duty hose (so you will not have to change it again for a long time), 2 quality German hose clamps, correct thermostat housing gasket, and complete instructions.

If you are considering replacing this hose, plan to change the thermostat at the same time. Especailly if you have not done so in the past couple years."

I recently bought the hose at the dealer for under $5.00. They sell it by the inch; you need 2 inches.

just normal stuff, cool engine etc.
you might want to pressure wash the area first, make it easier to get done.
also put the hose clamp on the lower portion first, then just push the upper tstat body into the hose, I also use a little smidge of wheel bearing grease inside the hose to aid assembly.
John

__________________
John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

Super easy..........Loosen the two clamps, Remove the two bolts that hold the thermostat housing to the block and lift the housing to remove/reinstall the hose. You will loose about 1gal. of coolant.

You will need:
Hose
anti-sieze for reinstalling the bolts
gasket for thermostat housing to block

__________________
Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )

I bought the hose from Carquest and they cut me about $1.75 worth, the gasket at my local import shop for another $2.00, and purchased stainless hose clamp at home depot for $2.00... Total price $5.75

__________________
1983 123.133 California
- GreaseCar Veg System