Washer reservoir and pump replacement questions

[DimitriKatsaros]

Hey all,

I have a '99 E430 and need to replace the reservoir the pump, and a bunch of grommets and plugs for the windshield washer. Two questions regarding the process:

1. In order to replace the grommets surrounding the heater element, it looks like I'll need to remove the hoses going to it. However, I am concerned that I might screw things up by letting air in or spilling whatever is inside the tubes leading to the element out. Is this safe to do or do I need to take precautions?

2. Dunno how to remove the electrical plug going to the pump without breaking some clips... is there some trick to removal?

Thanks
Dimitri Katsaros

[Kajtek1]

I was able to pull the pump out without removing the wires.
You are picky about heater grommets, aren't you?
Don't worry about air entering the lines. Just release the coolant cap to let the pressure out. The hoses are on the top level, so shouldn't have any leak.

[Matt L]

Loosen the coolant pressure cap prior to removing the coolant hoses from the tank heater. They're up high so you won't lose much coolant before you plug the lines. I don't think you need to worry about getting a bit of air in there, but you can purge the air when you reassemble with the new tank.

The connector to the pump on my '96 simply pushed up to remove. It was a bit sticky from being on there for years. I used a small flat-bladed screwdriver to help get it started.

[DimitriKatsaros]

Originally Posted by Matt L

Loosen the coolant pressure cap prior to removing the coolant hoses from the tank heater. They're up high so you won't lose much coolant before you plug the lines. I don't think you need to worry about getting a bit of air in there, but you can purge the air when you reassemble with the new tank.

Thanks... being that this is my first time with such systems, how do you purge the air?

Originally Posted by Matt L

The connector to the pump on my '96 simply pushed up to remove. It was a bit sticky from being on there for years. I used a small flat-bladed screwdriver to help get it started.

Oh! I thought there was a locking tab that had to be gently pulled. Is that not the case? (Kajtek1... I am also replacing the pump with a new one, so I do need to disconnect the plug)

[quote=Kajtek1;3008848] You are picky about heater grommets, aren't you?

Yeah, well. they are looking a bit mungy, so all the grommets are going! :-) I want it to look its best.

Originally Posted by Kajtek1

Don't worry about air entering the lines. Just release the coolant cap to let the pressure out. The hoses are on the top level, so shouldn't have any leak.

Coolant cap as in the cap on the radiator's reservoir?

Thanks to you both
Dimitri