Coolant Pump - 103 Engine - "how tough is it?" - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tivoliman · #1 09-24-2006, 07:31 PM

I have the shop manual, and the listed tasks...

It seems straight forward, but is it?

Seems like the manual suggest taking several steps, remove some bolts, and replace - is that all there is? I'm considering if I should do the job, or hire it out?

Per the Mercedes shop manual...
Coolant at engine and radiator ..............drain, pour in (20-010).
Air scoop ...................................remove, install (step 4).
Viscous fan clutch ..........................remove, install (20-312).
Poly V-belt .................................remove, install (13-342).
Belt pulleys of fan clutch and coolant pump .remove, install.
Engine compartment covering below ...........remove, install (step 9).
If air conditioning fitted ...................unscrew, screw on refrigerant compressor with
.............................................pipe group from engine (step 10).
Support with tandem pump & connected lines .. unscrew, screw on (step 11).
Thermostat (252) with new seal (251) ........remove, install.
Belt tensioning bracket .....................slacken, remove.
Return line .................................unscrew, screw on (step 12).
Coolant hoses (266) and oil line ............detach, attach (step 14).
Coolant pump ................................remove, install (step 15).

Commercial tools
liexagon socket wrench with 6 mm, 3/8" joint
7 mm hexagon socket wrench on flexible shaft for hose clip with screw drive e. g. liazet

Thanks

psfred · #2 09-24-2006, 10:35 PM

Take right at six hours, and the bolts on the water pump are a PITA (no problem if the PS pump wasn't in the way...).

You must also check the fan clutch and the belt tensioner before you start the job, as both really need to be replaced if bad -- I would just buy the tensioner, unless it's been replaced in the last 10,000 miles it's shot more than likely.

The factory water pumps last forever on these cars, typically well over 100,000 miles (some go 200,000).

Not a bad job, just a bit fiddly.

Peter

gmercoleza · #3 09-25-2006, 09:32 AM

Took me 5 to 6 hours, and I took my time. Not a bad job, just kills your lower back from all the bending...

jc300e · #4 09-25-2006, 05:30 PM

Not a bad job. I would agree with previous replies...about 5 hours. Most of that is prep and nugging your way through the de-install. I didn't take my fan clutch out nor did I drain my entire cooling system. I bled it a bit and that brough tthe fluid level well below the pump / block entry point.

Be very patient! Take your time. It's just a big puzzle. You will have to get the vbelt, power steering pully and pump out of your way as well as the belt tensioner. I didn't completly remove any of these parts.

Make sure you have a flex shaft extension for your sockets or a few socket joints. Some of the angles are pretty tough. Have a several different lengths of socket extensions handy too. Somtimes a 12" is too long and a 3" isn't long enough. Also, your hex or allen wrenches...you may have a need for one that is very stubby. (Rather than the typical that has a 3 to 4" shaft a 90 degree turn then a 1" shaft after the bend, itis very handy to have one that is less tha 1/2" after the bend. I recall a few close quarters.

anthonyb · #5 09-26-2006, 01:29 AM

If you have the time, the water pump is pretty doable. If you have all 13mm bolts on your water pump, the Snap-On FLXM13 wobble extension will be a god send for getting at some of the harder-to-reach bolts.

And don't forget to replace the short bypass hose between the head and the pump.

Anthony

wbain5280 · #6 09-26-2006, 02:22 AM

In addition, use some grease to hold the O-ring to the pump body otherwise it will fall out and you'll make a mess all over the place. Then you will be really PO'd.

brewtoo · #7 09-28-2006, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmercoleza

Took me 5 to 6 hours, and I took my time. Not a bad job, just kills your lower back from all the bending...

I find that if I drive my car up on ramps for this kind of work, it helps alleviate the back problems since the car is higher.

gmercoleza · #8 09-28-2006, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brewtoo

I find that if I drive my car up on ramps for this kind of work, it helps alleviate the back problems since the car is higher.

Very true, however I on the other hand prefer to have the hood all the way up 90 degrees (that grill gets in the way), something not possible in my garage if I drive up onto ramps...

tivoliman · #9 09-30-2006, 07:52 PM

With the parts in hand, I took all your advise:
Placed the car on the ramps and acquired the flex shaft

Said a pray - and started ...

With several initial components removed, I looked for the bolts. Found three, but could not see the fourth bolt behind the power steering pump, in the front.

With no real clue how to remove the power steering pump, and no clue how to access the fourth bolt.

I decided to take it to my friendly mechanic - it will be on his doorstep this Monday.

Thanks for the help and encouragement, but it was beyond my skills.