Coolant pump

[Swazi280]

123, early 1980s model. Can't seem to shift the coolant (radiator water) pump to slacken the belt powering it. (there's nothing wrong with it but I need to replace the fan belt behind so it must come off)

I've had a properly experienced old geezer loosening and tugging on the thing for the fat end of an evening and it just won't shift. It does become slightly loose (leading me to rule out being rusted in place) but simply won't shift more than a few mm.

Is there a special trick to this? Should I simply get the jackhammer out? I appreciate it's a dumb and basic thing but the squeaky belt on the fan/steering pump is driving me insane - oh, and the post office lost my Haynes manual. Got to love Swaziland!

 

[Andy]

Hi

If you can't slacken the belt off properly. Get a large screw driver and place it behind the belt onto the pulley so you are exerting pressure for the belt to come off. Get some one to FLICK the engine on the starter. Now I should warn you that most of the Muppets you ask to carry out this simple task will spin the engine over till kingdom come. So practice it first. You will see what I mean. Shoud engage the starter for the briefiest of time. Once mastered you can take the belt of and flick it back on. Just get the belt on as much as you can. So the last bit is getting on the top pulley. Then a little flick and hey presto. If the screw driver is placed correctly no problems should occur.

I shouldn't really advise this as it take a bit of competence to do it. But still if you are in Swaziland you may have no choice.

Good luck

Regards

Andy @ www.mercedesservicing.com

 

[Swazi280]

Thanks.. I think. I'll have a doctor on hand to tend to my fractured wrist..

More seriously, though, as the belts aren't that stretchy, am I not in danger of damaging the pump by wrenching on its axle like that?

 

[Andy]

Hi

Not if you follow the instuctions. With practice replacing belts takes 10mins. I will admit its not for the faint hearted. And usually you need to watch some one do it first to get the jist.


Regards

Andy @ www.mercedesservicing.com

 

[Swazi280]

Uyou need to watch some one do it first to get the jist.

Erm.. webcam?

I'll give it a pop; I hear you about the flicking.

Thank you.

 

[MarkSL]

I use a remote starter switch - easy enough to make.

1 is a small gunsons unit - the other is foot activated for those times i need both hands.

This way I control the destiny of my fingers - not someone else!

Mark