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

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On the plains of hesitation bleach the bones of countless millions who at the dawn of victory, sat down to wait, and waiting -- died

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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[http://languageandgrammar.com/2008/01/14/youve-got-problems-not-issues/ ]

"A liberal is someone who feels they owe a great debt to their fellow man, which debt he proposes to pay off with your money."

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

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Fred Hoelzle

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.

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1980 500SE/AMG Euro
1981 500SEL Euro
1982 380SEL
1983 300TD
1983 500SEC/AMG Euro
1984 500SEC
1984 300TD Euro
1986 190E 2.3-16
1986 190E 2.3
1987 300D
1997 C36 AMG
2003 C320T 4matic

past: 1969 280SE 4.5 | 1978 240D | 1978 300D | 1981 300SD | 1981 300SD | 1982 300CD | 1983 300CD | 1983 300SD | 1983 380SEC | 1984 300D | 1984 300D | 1984 300TD | 1984 500SEL | 1984 300SD | 1985 300D | 1986 300E | 1986 560SEL | 1986 560SEL/Carat | 1987 560SEC | 1991 300D 2.5 | 2006 R350

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...

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1989 300ce 129k
( facelifted front,updated tail lights, lowered suspension,bilstein sports, lorinser front spoiler, MOMO steering wheel, remus exhaust,stainless steel brake lines). (Gone)

1997 s320 154k (what a ride). Sold with 179k miles. Replaced with Hyundai Equus

1994 e320 Cabriolet 108k



1972 280se 4.5 153k Owned for 12 yrs, sorry I sold it


[/SIGPIC]

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

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On the plains of hesitation bleach the bones of countless millions who at the dawn of victory, sat down to wait, and waiting -- died

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!

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08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280

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