97 C230 Water pump replacement

[valpon]

I am not a mechanic and unfortunately I could not find a mechanic available to change the water pump until way late in the week; because I need the car on Monday, I need to change the pump myself this weekend. Bought a brand new pump and I have the necessary tools (I think) , I am also handy enough yet reluctant to start such project without some sort advice whether or not this is a DIY job, and mostly things I should be aware when undertaking such job. Advice/pointers greatly appreciated. V

[Will_w202]

Mine went last summer and I let the techs do it. I do know that this is the time to buy a new v-belt as well, since you have to remove it while you are doing the pump. Whether you DIY or not, buy a gallon of Zerex G05 coolant (a must!) as it is the same stuff as the MB brand, just half the price (and you must use this aluminum-protecting coolant, not Prestone/Dexcool/fruit juice)

IIR it's about 4 hours labor if you take it to a shop

[mpolli]

Haynes rates this 3 wrenches out of 5 "Fairly Difficult, suitable for competant DIY mechanic". I would say that is correct. It would probably take me about 4 hours as was stated. A pro would be much faster but they still get to charge the full time. You just have to take your time. There are several steps. You have to remove the pully and the hoses. You have to clean off the old gasket and use a new one or some form-a-gasket. You have to keep the different screws in order. You have to tighten all the screws properly and reattach the pulley and reinstall the belt and coolant. Yeah it will take a while. For the record I haven't done it on this car. But it looks basically the same as others I have done.

Good luck!