[W124] Re: [Mercedes] looking for quick sanity check on suddencooling system repair needs

[Steve Rankin]

Yes, the Pontiac water pump only has 4 bolts and it's a snap to change.  As
I recall, not only does the water pump only have 4 bolts, but you don't have
to do a thing with the power steering pump or belt to R&R the water pump.
But I have a really hard time calling that "engineering" on a car that was
known for its retractible highlights: slant 4 engine (half of a V8),
swing-axle, etc.  More like luck.  Then again, if you're lucky enough to
have a Tempest with a 389 & 3-2 BBL carbs and a 4-speed, you're one lucky
goat.  :-)

 

Steve Rankin

 

 

 

  _____  

From: w124list-bounces at mbcoupes.com [mailto:w124list-bounces at mbcoupes.com]
On Behalf Of J Hirsch
Sent: Friday, December 09, 2005 6:23 PM
To: W124 CE Coupes and Convertibles
Subject: Re: [W124] Re: [Mercedes] looking for quick sanity check on
suddencooling system repair needs

 

Some prices from Autozone

DURALAST_NEW 
CWP-810
LLT $148.99

 
*** EXTENDED LIFE ANTIFREEZE IS HIGHLY 
RECOMMENDED WITH THIS ALUMINUM PUMP. ***

BECK_ARNLEY water pump
131-2079
3 MO $269.99

TRANSPRO 432280 $329
LLT$329.99


If you can use a wrench and screw driver it is not that difficult a job and
can save $700 or more
do it yourself

Changed the water pump in my 1963 Pontiac Tempest convertible last week.
Four bolts
Pump was $32 
Time: fifteen minutes out and fifteen minutes in
That is engineering

Auto repair shot....$325!
keep cruisin
Jay H


On Dec 9, 2005, at 4:57 PM, Steve Nervig wrote:


On Dec 9, 2005, at 1:28 PM, Alec Cordova wrote:

Well, my 89 300CE didn't survive the freeze we just got in the Austin,
Texas area. She was overheating on this morning's commute, and only
giving me cold air in the cabin, even on defrost. Upper and lower rad
hoses were warm. Heater hose coming off the back of the head was warm
near the head, but not warm on the other end.

Mercedes of Georgetown, which isn't my favorite but does give free
loaner cars, claims my radiator is leaking and my thermostat needs to
be replaced. They also say my water pump has some extra play in the
shaft and is probably on its way out, although it's not leaking yet.

They want almost $700 to replace the rad and thermostat, plus another
$700-ish to do the water pump. Not yet clear if that includes the
couple hours of labor saved by replacing the water pump while they're
in there for the rad and thermostat.

The car has almost 197K miles, and she's in reasonably good shape
except for the climate control blower, which I'm pretty sure is not
the blower motor itself. I had shocks, struts, and front suspension
rubber replaced a year or so ago, so that's all good. Some of the
wife's recent expenses leave me in a position where I probably
shouldn't replace the car (which kinda stinks, since John M on the
diesel list is selling his 91 300D 2.5, and I'm sure he's got it in
great shape), so I'm basically committed to repairing this one.

Do those numbers sound like the right ballpark for these repairs at a
stealership? I know the radiator and thermostat retail for $250 -
$300, and the water pump retails for about $230.

I need to give them a Go or No Go within the next hour or so.

Why oh why must I be so addicted to these cars? ;-)

Thanks,
Alec Cordova
Taylor, Texas
89 300CE, 196K


Alex, here are some numbers I found in the STAR Time Guide:

R&I Rad 1.2 hours
Thermostat .5 hours
Coolant Pump 3.9 hours, 3.4 hours with Rad removed.

Draining and filling coolant and possible flush might add a bit of time. I
would think a skilled tech would be able to beat those book times by anearly
half, but of course that isn't the way it usually works.

If it were me, after driving a coupe, I can't imagine trading it in and
driving a stinker, but that's just me. ;-) But you are probably right, John
will have his car in great shape (I've seen it).

If you've had the valve/guides/heads done recently, I'd keep it.

Regards,
Steve Nervig
Seattle
1990 300E
1992 300CE Sportline


--
If you don't know where you're going,
any road will do.

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