Help with a 97 V6 E320 water pump

[NicDale]

Hi, the water pump on my E320 V6 petrol went, i bought a replacement from GSF for £65 + vat (Merc price was £145+vat).

The pump fits on to the car no problem, even look pretty much the same, however when i went to fit the pulley it fouls against the water outlet which won't allow the pulley to turn. I've rechecked the engine and VIN numbers with GSF to ensure it is the correct part and it is, it's also the only pump they stock for that engine.

Has anyone else encountered this and did they fit some kind of spacer behind the pulley to make it fit? If so, how and where from?

Or should i return the part and cough up at the main stealers?

Thanks,

Nic

 

[kth286]

After so many years I have come to the conclusion that Original parts from the main dealer is the way to go EVERY TIME.

Time is too valuable, far more than the saving, and who needs the stress.

When you buy from the dealer you are guranteed the part will fit, first and every time. It is also likely to last much longer than a pattern part.

And for what you get, particularily something as important as a water pump, the Merc prices are considered reasonable.

Always give your VIN to the Merc dealer and ideally on engine parts you should give the engine number also. It is all in your service book.

 

[NicDale]

Right, there are 3 different water pumps for this engine and only Merc know this hence the fouling issue. So i've now had a full refund on the GSF pump and bought the Merc pump.

However, i've run many a Merc (and other cars) in the past and not had a problem with GSF parts and i've saved myself a fortune in part prices. In the past i've bought Synta silver motor oil from GSF cheaper than buying it from VW.

Also many parts in most cars are manufactured out of the factory therefore a part with a Merc part number on it at a Merc price is no better than a Bosch part except the casing is different, quality is not (and most are usually made in the same factory!) - and tbh Merc quality is hardly great is it?

 

[c240yaz]

Sounds as if on this occasion, you were just unlucky on the fit ?

 

[NicDale]

Yup pretty much, but i've saved enough else where to stomach this bill