Author Topic: engine block bolt hole behind water pump  (Read 502 times)

Jacks1965230sl

  • Junior Level
  • *
  • USA, CA, Redondo Beach
  • Posts: 10
engine block bolt hole behind water pump
« on: April 12, 2025, 22:03:18 »
Hello, I took out my water pump on my 1965 230sl last week as I needed to replace the thermostat housing.  While putting the long style water pump back, I noticed a bolt hole insert located on the engine block behind the water pump housing which I have no idea if it needed a bolt installed.  I don't recall taking a bolt out of it, so am confused as to it's purpose.  Any ideas?

Jacks1965230sl

  • Junior Level
  • *
  • USA, CA, Redondo Beach
  • Posts: 10
Re: engine block bolt hole behind water pump
« Reply #1 on: April 12, 2025, 22:57:03 »
Photo added of the hole.  What is this for?  Does it need to be plugged with a bolt?

clunker

  • Full Member
  • Senior
  • ***
  • USA, NJ, Chatham
  • Posts: 115
Re: engine block bolt hole behind water pump
« Reply #2 on: April 12, 2025, 23:08:37 »
Which of the bolts A-D behind the water pump are you referring to? (see attached image I got off the forum some years back.)

I recall a similar mystery empty bolt hole on my M130 at hole D when I took out the elephantine AC bracket a while back. The AC bracket (M-B installed at delivery) used hole B (among others) that may have needed a bolt to seal it when removed. Hole D was unused (I believe) and may not have needed sealing. I did put in short blank M10 bolts to seal them, just to be sure.

**Note that hole D is close to the sweep of the crank balancer so the smaller the bolt head size you use the better - check for interference.
Charles
1969 US 280SL 4-speed Red/Black
DB9 / 981 S / G300 SWB / CB750 / etc

Jacks1965230sl

  • Junior Level
  • *
  • USA, CA, Redondo Beach
  • Posts: 10
Re: engine block bolt hole behind water pump
« Reply #3 on: April 13, 2025, 04:40:06 »
The silver hole above “C” is my question.  Does anything attach to it or does it take a bolt to plug it?   Thx

clunker

  • Full Member
  • Senior
  • ***
  • USA, NJ, Chatham
  • Posts: 115
Re: engine block bolt hole behind water pump
« Reply #4 on: April 13, 2025, 14:31:57 »
Ah, sorry our posts crossed - not sure about that hole, but since it behind the water pump mount one might assume it would not accept a bolt (as not a bolt through the pump mount) and left as is. But others here will be much more familiar.
Charles
1969 US 280SL 4-speed Red/Black
DB9 / 981 S / G300 SWB / CB750 / etc

dirkbalter

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, CA, Corona
  • Posts: 1509
Re: engine block bolt hole behind water pump
« Reply #5 on: April 14, 2025, 16:25:30 »
The silver hole above “C” is my question.  Does anything attach to it or does it take a bolt to plug it?   Thx

I had the same question when re-assembling the auxiliary parts on my engine. Metric told me that these are timing chain rail pins and that I don't have to be concerned with them. They are only threaded for the purpose of removal and installation of them.
Dirk
66 230 SL
70 280 SEL
53 CHEVY 3100
18 C300 COUPE
05 HD FLSTNI

Jacks1965230sl

  • Junior Level
  • *
  • USA, CA, Redondo Beach
  • Posts: 10
Re: engine block bolt hole behind water pump
« Reply #6 on: April 14, 2025, 16:29:33 »
All you guys are very knowledgeable, super helpful, and just awesome!  Thank you all who responded for bringing peace to my mind.