'98 E300TD - replace water pump when doing belt service?
 

Hi All,


I will be taking the E300 off the road for a bunch of maintenance. Will pull the intake to access the plastic fuel lines and replace the lot of them (along with cleaning gunk out of intake and EGR valve). While I am in there I also plan to replace the serpentine belt as I have no idea when it was last changed. Wondering if I should also replace the water pump as preventive maintenance...or follow the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" plan. Bought this baby last year with 67k miles and currently has about 95k on the odo.


thoughts?

Unless it is leaking or something, there is no need to mess with it. If later on it does start leaking, its not that involved to take the fan and belt back off.

Belts tend to last longer than tensioners and pulleys. Make sure you check those items carefully while the belt is off.

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon

If it ain't broke don't fix it. Water pumps last a long time and when they go they're $50

Spin the water pump pulley when you have the belt off. If it's wobbly or has rough bearings, replace it, otherwise let it ride. My water pump is original at 32 years old and >180K miles, it's finally in need of replacing and I suspect more due to age than miles.

^perhaps I should just order new and replace the pulleys with the belt...


the tensioner gizmo looks pretty simple and robust on the OM606, was surprised when I took a look at replacement parts online.

I replaced my water pump on my '98 e 300 at about 130,000; it was shot and leaked. As Sixto recommends, be sure to check the tensioner pulley. Mine went bad, and I think it is what ruined my alternator pulley.

Replace the tensioner, as well as all pulley(s) & water pump. Based on age alone......once and done! Oh yeah, be sure it's an OEM MB serpentine belt you replace it with. Ask me how I know!?