It is time to replace the water pump. Before I remove the pump, any suggestions on a cooling system flush? Since I have to drain cooling system, maybe I should perform cooling system flush first.
As for new coolant, I assume I need to purchase from MB dealer?
A few hints for replacing
A few hints for replacing the water pump: Place a plastic bag over the alternator to deflect the coolant so it will not soak it. After you drain the radiator, there will be lot of coolant left in the engine block. When you remove the pump, a lot of coolant will come out. You can prevent this mess by draining the engine block first after draining the radiator. There is a drain plug ahead of the starter on side of the engine block (14 mm head head bolt I think). I would also recommend using a liquid brush on sealant on the water pump paper gasket to make a waterproof seal.
You should use MB coolant, diluted 50:50 with distilled water only. As for flushing the system, I would do it if the old coolant was really dirty. You may want to replace the thermostat too.
water pump R&R
1985 300D 300K
1982 240D 190K
1997 Dodge Cummins 300 hp 22 mpg!
1994 Dodge Cummins 300 hp 21.9 mpg
1977 GMC Suburban fulltime 4X4 rebuilt Vortec 5.7 Carburated 15.6 mpg
1997 Camry 119K
1968 Dodge D500
1972 JD400 Backhoe
1966 Cal 48 Yawl
All good advice. It would be a very good time to put in a new chain tensioner if you on your original chain because the thermostat housing has to come out for that job as well. The short coolant hose can be done as well. Check your cam timing while you're there as Kent advises anything over 3 degrees is his threshold for a new chain. You'll probably discover the shroud is rotten and getting off the fan is tough as the fan bolts will be frozen. Buy Kents diesel performance manual. This job is tougher than it sounds and will take a lot longer than you think. I just did it on my 85