300E - Hose between head and water pump leaking

[Strider]

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