12mm coolant hose?

[dirtrack49]

I am in the process of replacing the water/coolant hoses on the 66 230SL. Evidently someone replaced the short hoses near the fuel injection pump with 1/2 inch ID coolant hoses. Anyone know an outlet for 12mm water hose? Is this size some rare animal to find?
I have lots of bulk hose around. The only 12mm ID hose I have is for a BMW power steering return hose. I thought about using it, however, I am wondering if the coolant or heat will do it in?
Any and all thoughts appreciated.

Tom L.

[Jordan]

The Classic Center sells the 12mm hose as well as any and all coolant hoses you might need.  The regular hose you can buy by the metre I believe.  A lot of the hoses however have specific parts numbers.  If you have a picture of the specific hoses we can help out with part numbers.

[dirtrack49]

Thanks Jordan for the info.

The three hoses come off of what I believe is called the injection thermostat that is on the fuel injection pump. They are three short hoses that the pipes they attached to measure 12mm.

I would like to start the vehicle up soon and I might just have to put on some more 1/2 inch hose, or the wrong 12mm power steering hose that I have in my parts stock until I can get the right stuff ordered.

Tom L.

[rb6667]

12mm = 15/32".  Just a touch over 1/2".  I would have no concern with using the 1/2".  Might be a little tight going on....but should work well.  Other types of hoses, fuel, power steering hoses etc, are not rated for the heat/burst strength that these hoses must endure.  In short, use coolant hoses.

[Jonny B]

If you want the proper hoses, just go to your local MB dealer. There are a few that you will scratch your head about (read that as a bit pricey), these are some of the pre-formed hoses. But most are (sort of reasonable). There are a couple of odd ones, the one near the engine thermostat that has different sized ends, and the one under the thermostat housing that is a real pain to get in. If you are going to be driving/keeping the car, invest the time in the proper hoses and you won't be sorry.

[Kazoo]

I have heard the "Classic Center" mentioned a few times and am not sure what this is??  Is it a MB run source for parts?  If so can you buy the parts on line?  Are there sources to buy factory MB parts without going to the dealership -- which in my case is a 45 min drive??

Thanks

[mdsalemi]

Kazoo, the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center for the USA is a facility in Irvine, CA that buys, sells and restores MB cars of a certain age, maybe 25+. They also handle the parts for the older cars, both direct to consumer, and supporting the dealers, too.

[ja17]

Hello Kazoo,


We have some great suppliers which have actively  supported our group by supplying  information, technical help and supply parts.  The Mercedes-Benz Classic Center (Tom Hanson), Buds Mercedes, K&K Manufacturing, Dan Caron, Dave Galon, Pete Lesler, Metrics, Becker Radio (Ed Ebel), Bob Geco are some of the more notable. There are more, anyone feel free to add to the list.  There is an extensive listing in the Tech Manual, but those above are some of the guys that are involved and support our group. You will find these guys most knowledgeable and helpful.  When you talk "W113" they understand the language. There are other parts specialists out there like "SLS" which are overseas and less involved in our group but are quite knowledgeable.

Other great resources are Mercendes-Benz Club of America. The Mercedes EPC (Electronic Parts Catalog) which is a free service to individuals from the factory. Complete parts catalogs with dealer parts numbers are available on the EPC web site for the W113 cars and almost any other Mercedes-Benz Vehicle. It is quite extensive. I don't think there is any other Auto Manufacturer which supports their vintage car enthusiasts as well as Daimler-Benz (Mercedes-Benz). The Mercedes-Benz factory still supplies some new parts for their models made over 100 years ago!  Some Mercedes-Benz dealers like Mercedes-Benz of South Atlanta, have on line catalogs and pricing for web customers also. Some offer discounts and deals on shipping.

[ctaylor738]

12mm = 15/32".  Just a touch over 1/2".

Must be new math!

I believe the PN for the hose is 900271012018.  You can buy a meter of it for $36 list.  You can position the hoses so that the MB logo is visible, and if you use Norma clamps, or at least solid-band clamps, strange people like me who look at your engine will appreciate your attention to detail.

And I've got to put in a pitch for the parts departments at the local dealers.  Use the EPC to identify the part and have them order it.  They can get just about any part for our cars, and will generally offer a 10% discount and their prices include shipping, generally overnight if the part is in the US.  You may be able to get a larger discount on more expensive parts.  The Classic Center and dealers like MB of Cincinnati will go 20 off, but charge for shipping so it comes out about the same.  And returns are a hassle.

I have had problems getting the Classic Center to answer emails and return phone calls.

My $02.

Cheers,

[Kazoo]

That sounds great...yes I have that detail gene too and love the idea of using correct clamps (I just bought a full set) and hoses!  It is amazing how MB does support the classics. 

The best classic support systems that I have experienced is BOMBARDIER who bought OMC (the marine engine people)..if you need parts for an old Johnson Outboard Motor for example, you just go to their site, there are fully exploded views with every part, then you just "click" to add to cart and checkout.  Some times the parts arrive from their central parts depot, but other times they part might arrive from a local dealer...so they have complete inventory control of parts even if they are on a dealer shelf.  So cool!

I started re-freshing a few bits under the hood (like hoses and clamps) for fun,  now I have so much of the engine bay disassembled I trying to figure the best way to pull the engine and properly repaint the engine bay that is a mess!  With the transmission attached or with out the transmission??  I'm in deep now and so will have plenty of time to get the proper hoses!!

[Kazoo]

Thanks Michael,

How do you best work with the Classic Center to buy parts?  Do they have a web store (I couldn't find one) or do you call them...and how does the local dealer play into this.  Is the dealer an alternative and separate solution to get original parts?

Thanks,
Wayne

[mdsalemi]

How do you best work with the Classic Center to buy parts?  Do they have a web store (I couldn't find one) or do you call them...and how does the local dealer play into this.  Is the dealer an alternative and separate solution to get original parts?

You call them and talk to the parts department. If you are an MBCA member you receive a discount.
The way the local dealer plays into this is (I believe) that when they order parts for a 25+ year old car, the parts order is diverted to the Classic Center, as I believe they maintain the parts inventory/management for cars of a certain vintage.
I don't think they have a web store per se, but they do sell on eBay from time to time.
Tom Hanson is one of the parts guys there very familiar with the W113.

[Kazoo]

Thanks Michael!