Water pump problem - w123 280 TE

[Will B]

Without a manual I need some help to remove fan etc to access water pump and replace it.

 

[Andy]

Water pump problem

Hi Will,

There is a allen key which holds the fan on normal thread.  Make sure you remove the dirt in the allen key head to make sure you don't round it off. You will have to remove the bottom crank pulley to remove the water pump. Should be straight forward enough. I would also replace the water pump housing gasket as these can leak also. It the same job to replace this gasket as well. So its worth replacing while your there with the pump.
Regards

Andy @ www.mercedesservicing.com

 

[Will B]

Water pump problem

Thanks...I have the water pump and gasket. Do I need any other specialist tools to undo viscose coupling? and how long should I allow for this job?

 

[Arnie]

Water pump problem

I think you can either remove the fan from the viscous coupling or remove the whole unit including the coupling.

The latter requires a 32mm spanner and it's normally a left-hand thread. The problem is to prevent the fan rotating, while you apply torque on the spanner. I think a special tool is available from MB or otherwise, it can be done with some WD40 to the nut, leave for some minutes and then use a suitably located screwdriver on the fan bolts to prvent rotation while you use the spanner. Bit tricky, but possible.

 

[Andy]

Water pump problem

Hi

No specialist tools are needed. I think Arnie is refering to the Gwagon or vans where the fan couplings are different.

Regards

Andy @ www.mercedesservicing.com

 

[Arnie]

Water pump problem

..true, my experience of Mercedes is more related to G-wagens (18 years) ... but mostly they did have the same engine ranges as the passenger cars.

.. come to think of it, though, the G-Wagen has a special feature on the fan in case the viscous coupling fails and so it might be different.

However, I did change the fan and coupling on a BMW323 last week and it too required the spanner and screwdriver approach.

Anyway, I humbly defer to Andy on this one.

 

[Will B]

Water pump problem

Thanks for your help guys...can I remove fan with rad still in place?

 

[Arnie]

Water pump problem

Andy had better tell you for sure, but if the fan and clutch are held by one allen bolt from the front, then it may be tricky if you don't have much space between the inner radiator face and the front of the fan, to get your hands in. If your car has an extended radiator cowling, then the removal of this alone, may give you enough room...

 

[Andy]

Water pump problem

Hi

Yes you could remove the fan without removing the radiator. But if you don't have a short allen key then you will have to remove the radiator. If you decide to remove the radiator. DO NOT remove the auto box pipes from the radiator them selves. They will be corroded. To save your self a WHOLE load of hassle remvove the pipes from the join on the metal pipe where the flexi pipes join. Ignore at your own peril. Make sure you block of the pipes otherwise you will loosse all the auto box oil.

If you are not sure of your own skills. Then get the job done proffesionaly.


Regards

Andy @ www.mercedeservicing.com

 

[Will B]

Water pump problem

Thanks guys, I'll take a look at everything and make a decision this morning

 

[Will B]

Water pump problem

So far all's well. Have undone fan bolts and loosened belt to pull fan fwd. Now need to loosen bootom belt and release central pulley/ flywheel ? otherwise can't remove waterpump- is this correct? Have undone allen bolts on flywheel OK and slackened of bolts to remove belt but still doesn't want to come off. Any tips/ advice.

Will