300E - Hose between head and water pump leaking
 

My car is a 1991 300E with the M103 motor. Is it possible to remove and replace the short stubby hose between the head and the water pump without having to remove the water pump?

I've had to replace the water pump not that long ago, (18 months) and it was a real ***** to get those three bolts loose that hold the water pump on. I had replaced the hose at that time, but I think that I overclamped the hose and cut it with the band clamp. It is just weaping right now, no appreciable loss of coolant, but enough to notice the white deposits and odor of coolant...

I'm also considering using a hose leak repair compound, an epoxy similar to JB Weld, if I can't replace that hose without removing the water pump... may be worth a shot.

Thanks

You can replace the short hose without taking the pump off.....but it needs to be very short and you'll need to lubricate the hose some.




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I suggest biting the bullet ... remove the water pump and replace the short hose. Otherwise, you're courting disaster at some inopportune time.

if its leaking from where you clamped it, feel for the small break between the pump and the head, repositon the small hose and try to clamp it again (with a new clamp) past where the leak is.

some people have cut removed the hose..and cut the pipe a bit to make it easier to get a new one on..

do a search.... some very reputable people on the board have done that...

I've gone the route that Lee mentions above and have written about it on the forum several times. Initially I was horrified to see a hack saw put to the pipe, however in retrospect it was a good move. More so - it works. 5 years (and one water pump later ) and all is good.

Thanks for the replies everyone! Couple of questions: Did you take any steps to prevent shavings from entering the pipe when you cut it? Is there room to file the cut afterwards to smooth / de-burr it? How much, exactly, did you cut off, 1/4 inch?

Also, any merit to trying to repair / patch the hose before I cut? I was thinking of using some JB weld or some such epoxy to put a patch on the outside of the hose to try and stop the leak before going the route of cutting the old hose out and trying to slip a new hose in... After all, it is only a pin hole leak and probably only sees about 14 - 15 psi of pressure.

Thanks

Ram a rag in the pipe first, leaving a corner sticking out. Make sure the rag is in there TIGHT. After cutting and/or deburring, just pull the rag out and all the shavings will come with it. Do this on both sides just to be safe. JB Weld and/or epoxy will eventually come undone at the least opportune time - in short, don't do it!

I agree with gmercoleza on both points and yes a 1/4'' was sufficient. good luck