hey there,

81 240D

was overhauling my cooling system b/c it creeps up to 100C when driving 75. replaced all the hoses, took the radiator out to have it flushed and cleaned, and replaced the water pump (although it probably didnt need it, but i bought a new one so in it went). When i pulled out the two right-most bolts that hold the water-pump housing to the block, they were covered in black oil! Is this normal? Do those bolts screw into a part of the block that oil circulates through? or is that indicative of a blown head-gasket??? I have been trying to hunt down this heating problem for a while now and it still gets hot on the highway! Currently, i have the thermostat out just to narrow down the problem (i tested it in boiling water and it opens when it should) The car runs fine otherwise and i dont have oil in the coolant or coolant in the oil. should i suspect a beginning head gasket problem?

thanks for any help.