Here's the other.

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Move the two black spring tension hose clamps off the rubber coolant hose each to their extreme ends and retry.

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"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer

There is your problem. That hose has to be put on after the intake is on. Take it off and then you're good. There is not much wiggle room if the hose is there.

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1990 190E 3.0L

The hose goes between the water pump thermostat area and the head. It is very difficult to install without pulling the water pump. Since it is already installed I'd do my best to leave it. Reposition the clamps first and gently try prying the intake forward an increment if needed. You can completely remove the clamp if needed and install a common type worm gear drive clamp without removing the hose.

I've never seen those type clamps in that spot.

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"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer

I attached the other picture to my album. And, yes it is the intake manifold that is the issue.

When he tries to remove the clamp, its going to bow outward and make it even more difficult to move. The hose should definitely be removed. I guess you can tried sliding both clamps towards the head to create room, then reposition, but if you end up with a leak in that area, then you will need to remove it anyways. Another option is to cut the clamp and replace it with a worm gear clamp as Sugar Bear suggested.

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1990 190E 3.0L

Gentlemen. thank you both for your help. It has been great because this is my first time in 30 years doing this. It seems like moving the clamps totally towards the head did the trick. I got the bolt by #1 on and a center bolt. I am going to take a break now and resume tomorrow. I am tired and don't want to make any errors. I am very careful, and can't believe that those clamps caused the problem. The issue, small as it is, will be getting the clamps on that hose. I will have to get the spring clamps off and use the standard worm gear clamps in that area. Certainly doesn't look like that there is any room to get them on, but I will do. I was trying to use the spring clamps because I thought they would be better than the worms. Again, I will post again tomorrow to let you know how my next step works out.

Use german clamps with the radiused edges they dont cut the hose over time. You are patient and persistent!

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"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer

Gentlemen, intake manifold is on and secure. All bolts went in/on smooth as silk. Even no issues on the bottom brackets. I can't believe that the minute amount of thickness caused by the clamp was enough to throw off the whole thing. Everyday learning something new! Thanks again.

Welcome, glad you got it!

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"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer