water pump blocking plate
 

After spending the better part of the weekend pulling the water pump of of the 95 E320 and putting the new one on I discovered that the replacement has an extra port in the back. I bought a Graf pump for which I gave the parts guy my engine number so I don't understand how it happened... and how I didn't notice the port. I did notice the extra o-ring in the box but thought nothing of it.

The port in the backhas a recess for an o-ring and two bolt holes tapped. I wonder if anyone makes a blocking plate for this situation. I would much rather put on a blocking plate than mount this one and wait for the parts supplier to get one without the extra port.

Has anyone else run in to this problem? I'd be interested in the remedy.

Thanks!

If it is just a flat thing you might be able to make one from some 1/8" or 3/16" aluminum plate.

Tom W

The port is for a flange..
 

For a water line to the oil cooler.... if you have one. A careless mistake on my part for not noticing the port before installation. I'll use some 3/16 aluminum or steel bar stock to try and make one.

Does anyone happen to know what size screws mount the flange? I can pick those up tomorrow and just maybe be able finish it off.

Anyone getting ready to do a waterpump job; be sure and count the ports before you start!!

be aware that steel bolts screwing into aluminum will need about three times the length to develope the holding power of the bolt, in thread,compared to steel, so be sure to put in bolts that use all of the threads available in the aluminum casting. Then use some anti seize so they will come out in ten years when you go to change the water pump again.

Tom W

Are you talking about this plate in the picture?
http://img.eautopartscatalog.com/live/G300060733LAS.JPG

That's the plate!
 

That would be what I am missing. Whoever manufactures the pump in the pic is kind enough to include the plate. Do I try and find one or make one? I'm still trying to figure out the bolt size if anyone knows.

Regards,

I'd go see the dealer with that photo. They should easily be able to pull up the diagram, order the part and take your money. Cant be all that expensive and it will be correct and seal properly.

I'll try the dealer
 

Since I didn't get to finish it over the long weekend anyway I'll call the parts house first and then the dealer. In the meantime I'll be working with some 1/8" steel bar stock, the drill press and grinder.

If it doesn't work I'll have been "fooling around in the shop."

If it works, I'll have been "fabricating a part." :D

no blocking plate at dealer
 

The dealer says a blocking plate is unavailable. They use a freeze plug to seal off the water pump to oil cooler hole. Manny's pic clealy shows a diamond shaped blocking plate. So they must be available somewhere.

I'll pic up a freeze plug but am not sure I can knock that in with the waterpump on the car. I made a blockingplate last night and am inclined to use it.

What would the experts do?

Thanks

I would not hesitate to make my own block-off plate & gasket. ;)
Is the freezeplug for another ( round ) opening?

the freeze plug id for the waterpump they say
 

The opening is round with a round recess around it for the o-ring. I have the o-ring and made the plate last night. Just wondering if the freeze plug is a better idea. The parts guy at the MB dealer made it sound like this is a common occurence.

Go with the O-ring & plate.
I just don't trust freezeplugs very much.
Guess it's just me. ;)

the blocking plate is holding pressure just fine
 

This project is done. The blocking plate is holding up well so far. Thanks everyone for your help.