Have an 88 300E. The boot that connects the water pump to the head began leaking so I cut it off in anticipation of just replacing that 4" piece of rubber. I discovered that the distance between the head tube and the waterpump inlet is only a fraction of an inch - no way to insert a new boot/hose.

It appears one must remove the water pump which I attempted but due to bolt location couldn't. At least one bolt (one I could see) is burried under the intake manifold. Must one remove the intake manifold to remove the water pump to replace this little hose?

Am I missing something? Is there an easier way to replace this boot besides removing the water pump?

Bill