Coolant Parts Installation

[ddodson1]

Getting ready to reinstall water pump housing, water pump and thermostat housing on my '65 230SL..  I assume Permatex should be used on the water pump bolts.  Should anything be used on the gaskets or water pump housing to block bolts?

[ja17]

If everything is clean and flat you should have no problems with just a new gasket. I use some gasket shellac sometimes on imperfect surfaces just for insurance!

[Benz Dr.]

 I use a wire wheel to clean up the threads and then we use a tap in the threaded holes. After that we use anti seize on the screws. A must around any coolant.

[ddodson1]

Just finished the coolant system rebuild on my '65 230SL.  Also replaced the firewall pad and grommets to clean things up.  Here are some before and after pictures.

BTW...The cooling system flush instructions on this forum were perfect.  One thing I did to make it easier was slip a wet/dry vac hose over the top radiator hose and a garden hose (cut off at one end) to the heater outlet at the firewall to control the output (no mess!)  I also opened the drain on the block when I blew out the system with an air compressor.