OK, what did I do wrong? (201 2.3 water pump) - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

haasman · #1 02-07-2004, 12:36 PM

I replaced the 190e 2.3 water pump. Not hard to do. Filled it with coolant, started it and soon after it started leaking, especially around the upper area of the pump house where it mates to the engine.

I used an OEM pump and gasket. I used Form-A-Gasket sealant on both sides of the paper gasket. It is the "Aviation" type, which I just noticed.

Before I R&R and try and again, any suggestions or advice would greatly be appreciated.

Should I have not used the "Aviation" style Form-A-Gasket?

Haasman

mike65 · #2 02-07-2004, 06:26 PM

I'm no expert but would'nt a paper gasket be more effective "dry".

Mike.

stevebfl · #3 02-07-2004, 07:20 PM

The sealer shouldn't hurt unless it allowed the gasket to slip when tightened. That should be obvious.

The last time I saw a water pump leak new the housing had been dented in an area.

haasman · #4 02-08-2004, 05:01 PM

I replaced the gasket today because it got misaligned when installing. It was obvious.

Lesson learned: Be very careful that the gakset doesn't slip as the water pump housing is attached to the engine block.

I used the bolts to keep the position of the gasket when attaching to the engine block.

Haasman

Greg in Oz · #5 02-10-2004, 01:51 AM

Haasman,

Don't feel too bad. We all make small mistakes like this sometimes. Back in November I replaced the water pump on my father's '93 E320 coupe (M104/W124). I was pretty pleased with myself when the job when smoothly and in good time after reading how awkward it can be (and all without disturbing the steering pump or aircon compressor as the manual would suggest is necessary). I even fitted a new belt tensioner and damper to avoid having to go back in there to do that sometime in the future.

Problem was, three weeks later my father reported that it was again leaking coolant at the water pump. having a look revealed coolant had been spraying off the water pump pulley and belt. After having a replacement pump sent out under warranty (even though the supplier was surprised that the new pump would have failed), I was ready to tackle the job again. Before doing so, I pressurised the cooling system with a hand pumped pressure tester and carefully looked for the source of the leak. It turned out it was not the pump. The hose that goes from the front of the head across to the pump (under the front plastic cover) had settled over the few weeks since being refitted and was leaking. Coolant was running along the underside of the hose and onto the pump pulley. Half a turn of the hose clamp fixed it.

I had to appologise to the supplier and return the replacement pump. Sometimes, some of us get it wrong and where coolant is involved it will find its way out of the slightest leak.

Greg