Author Topic: Should I replace the water pump? (Read 16055 times)

ncsurfer · « **on:** July 01, 2012, 11:54:26 »

I am in the process of getting my 280 running after 10 years of sitting. I have taken everything off of the front of the engine, sent to radiator out for inspection and now I am ready to start replacing belts, hoses, etc. I was thinking, since it hasn't run in ten years and the front is open, it might be a good thing to go ahead and replace the water pump. Good idea or not?
Thanks

mdsalemi · « **Reply #1 on:** July 01, 2012, 11:59:41 »

Excellent idea. 95% of the @#$%^ work involved to replace a water pump, including the skinned knuckles, and infernal fan and viscous clutch removal has already been done. Go the extra kilometer and do the water pump. While you are at it change to the long neck variety that does not need the spacer.

ncsurfer · « **Reply #2 on:** July 01, 2012, 12:49:05 »

Thanks.....Is this the one you are talking about? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-W108-W109-W111-W113-W114-W115-W116-W123-W126-GRAF-Engine-Water-Pump-NEW-/140709471580?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item20c2f0255c&vxp=mtr

rb6667 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 01, 2012, 17:38:30 »

I agree with Michael on the long water pump. That Spacer used with the short water pump is a major PITA!! If my short pump ever needs replacing, it will be with the long water pump.

You will need the short bolts however, can't just cut yours down. They are not threaded all the way.

rb6667

ncsurfer · « **Reply #4 on:** July 01, 2012, 19:11:11 »

Thanks. Do you know where I can buy the new bolts?

rb6667 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 01, 2012, 19:23:23 »

The "Short" bolts were used on many Mercedes models up and including the 80's. If it were me, I'd go junkyard shopping. Of course a Mercedes dealer could supply them as well. These are unique bolts in that they have that small 10mm head.

rb6667

ncsurfer · « **Reply #6 on:** July 01, 2012, 19:36:26 »

Thanks, I will check it out.

mdsalemi · « **Reply #7 on:** July 01, 2012, 20:40:10 »

A simple call or email to David Gallon got me all I needed---and he even took the short bolts back with a token exchange.

ncsurfer · « **Reply #8 on:** July 01, 2012, 21:56:41 »

Thanks... I would not have the b.....(guts) to take on this 280 project without the Pagoda club. BTW, has anyone ever seen this video on youtube? It is great! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daVDrGsaDME&feature=youtu.be

Ulf · « **Reply #9 on:** July 02, 2012, 09:47:13 »

Do it, it's not an expensive item. Just had mine replaced with one I bought from SLS (I think) as the old one was leaking

ncsurfer · « **Reply #10 on:** July 02, 2012, 14:51:24 »

Thanks. Can you give me some contact information on SLS?

66andBlue · « **Reply #11 on:** July 02, 2012, 16:38:00 »

Click on this link: http://www.sls-hh-shop.de/index.php
and select the car.

ncsurfer · « **Reply #12 on:** July 02, 2012, 18:53:52 »

OK, now I am even more confused(more than normal). My 280 has P/S, P/B, and A/C. The pulley on the water pump shaft is a three belt pulley. Would buying the long shaft put the pulley out of line with the other pulleys? The SLS site shows a 90mm and a 60 mm. Would I be replacing the 60mm with a 90mm one?

mdsalemi · « **Reply #13 on:** July 02, 2012, 20:49:14 »

Quote from: ncsurfer on July 02, 2012, 18:53:52

OK, now I am even more confused(more than normal). My 280 has P/S, P/B, and A/C. The pulley on the water pump shaft is a three belt pulley. Would buying the long shaft put the pulley out of line with the other pulleys? The SLS site shows a 90mm and a 60 mm. Would I be replacing the 60mm with a 90mm one?

No, it should not matter. The difference is the spacer. The spacer with the short pump has the same relative mounting position of the pulley as the long pump without.
The difference is, according to some, is that there is less stress on the bearings on the long pump, theoretically longer bearing and pump life. In addition it is easier to replace.

I think I paid about $100 for the pump, a Lasko. The OEM was a bit more, but the people I trust said it offered no apparent difference in quality.

Look up Dave Gallon here and give him a call.

Shown in the photo is the new, Lasko, long-neck pump on the left, and the OEM short neck pump (shown WITHOUT the required spacer) on the right for comparison. Note that is NOT a separate spacer on the new long neck pump on the left; that is a mounting flange integral to the pump.

ncsurfer · « **Reply #14 on:** July 03, 2012, 00:55:47 »

Thanks. Is it Lasko, or Laso. I found a Laso water pump made in Germany.

mdsalemi · « **Reply #15 on:** July 03, 2012, 01:18:17 »

Laso, my mistake.

ncsurfer · « **Reply #16 on:** July 03, 2012, 01:20:59 »

I sent Dave Gallon an e-mail, but have not heard back from him......

ncsurfer · « **Reply #17 on:** July 03, 2012, 02:43:56 »

I found a Laso water pump here. http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/sku/Mercedes_Benz/280SL/Laso/Water_Pump/1970/Base/6_Cyl_2-dot-8L/W0133-1619765.html#reviews
I have not heard from Dave Gallon yet. I am hoping to be able to order the pump from him as well as the shorter 10mm bolts. If not, does anyone know where I can buy these shorter bolts?
Thanks...

mdsalemi · « **Reply #18 on:** July 03, 2012, 11:57:14 »

Sometimes Dave is elusive. Have you tried a phone call as opposed to an email?

I don't think there is anything special about the bolts; I think you can guess the accurate size by measuring the existing ones and subtracting the thickness of the spacer from the overall length. You should be able to find these at many places that stock metric bolts. If there is a Grainger near you that's a good start. Also, don't forget a dealer or the classic center.

If I were buying new bolts, I'd go for grade 8 just on general principles.

hauser · « **Reply #19 on:** July 03, 2012, 14:48:45 »

Ahaus

http://www.autohausaz.com/search/product.aspx?sid=vvyr20erdpc50xqexo5kte55&makeid=800016@Mercedes&modelid=1193486@280SL&year=1969&cid=16@Cooling System&gid=2208@Water Pump

mdsalemi · « **Reply #20 on:** July 03, 2012, 16:55:19 »

Other things:

1) That link is incomplete as posted, you need to cut/paste the entire link to make it work. Note there is some part of the posted link that is not underlined, thus is not copied to the web address.
2) Though the water pump comes with a new gasket, the OEM gasket from Mercedes is of significantly higher quality. I threw out the new one that came with the Laso pump, it was too flimsy for my taste. The new one from MB was relatively cheap, a few bucks I think. Money well spent.
3. You do not use any goop on the gasket. Just soak it in antifreeze/coolant, and ensure your mating surfaces are clean.

ncsurfer · « **Reply #21 on:** July 04, 2012, 13:21:00 »

Great help, thanks. I got in touch with Dave Gallon, thanks.....

rb6667 · « **Reply #22 on:** July 09, 2012, 21:50:33 »

Hello Ncsurfer, Have you found the short fan bolts you need yet? I'm going junkyard shopping in the next few days, and I know there will be some bolts on those cars. If you still need them, send me a PM with your address, and I'll get them out to you.

rb6667

ncsurfer · « **Reply #23 on:** July 13, 2012, 01:47:44 »

Thanks all. Got all the parts I need to change out the water pump. It looks like I need to remove the alternator bracket with 3 bolts to get at the old water pump, huh?

mdsalemi · « **Reply #24 on:** July 13, 2012, 02:01:15 »

Yes, you have to do something with it...I recall just looseniing it. I know I did not remove it.

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Author Topic: Should I replace the water pump? (Read 16055 times)

rb6667

rb6667

hauser

rb6667