OM603 heater hose repair - a lesson learned
 

I post this only because it's a reminder of what can be missed when you use an oil sucker instead of draining the engine oil from underneath. I "converted" to topsiding a couple of years ago and since then have rarely been beneath my cars. I'm just too lazy to remove the belly pans, a potentially risky attitude.

Last month, while installing a new-to-me head in my 1987 300D Turbo (W124, OM603) I had the opportunity to be underneath and discovered that the U-shaped hose, part of the plumbing that carries hot coolant from the engine to the monovalve, was getting pretty rotten (probably was original). Had I not been under the car as part of the head job, I might not have known until the hose burst and left me at the side of the road.


http://i323.photobucket.com/albums/n.../Hose_8059.jpg


The picture, taken from underneath the engine, shows the alternator, oil pan extension, and turbocharger with the new hose looping under it. Forward is towards the top. The hose had to come from Germany and, according to the label on the bag, was made in the Czech Republic. Note the Mercedes logo, it is a genuine factory part (US$30 from the dealer).

Few of us are still alive to remember that before the Nazis, WWII, and the Soviets, the Czechs had a pretty good machine tool industry. Hopefully they are regaining some of their previous stature as a manufacturing center.

BTW, the hose clamps take a 7 mm socket.

Jeremy

I'm sure it's a quality part if it's from MB. Good thing you found it!

I always get under the car to change the oil. You would be surprised what you find just by looking. I will NEVER use a topsider for an oil (or any fluid change)