Quick 2.6 question

[MikeTangas]

I took a look at a '93 190E 2.6 this afternoon. One quick question for y'all, what could be the likely source of a small amount of coolant pooling on the lip of the valve cover on the driver's side (US) of the block?

I have two suspicions: A leaking hose, either the upper or the bypass; a really bad water pump.

No oil in the coolant, no coolant in the oil, don't think it could be a headgasket. I'll only say it is an auction car, the tow yard drove it in (but left the rt standing lights on so the battery is dead) with 180K on the clock. MB's are few and far between up here so I don't think there will be much interest in it, may be able to get it uber cheap. Getting bored and feeling the need for a project.

[skiier3_9]

I'd inspect the little piece of rubber hose that connects the water pump(?) to the block, for some reason MB used rubber here instead of a metal connection. After 13 years, its probably failing

EDIT: Added picture.

[t walgamuth]

could be a loose clamp on the same hose.

tom w

[MikeTangas]

The little pool of coolant is sitting on the valve cover lip just aft of the area circled in your pic. Looking more like that short hose, or the clamp may be leaking. I'll find out early next week when the auction will be. I'm considering taking a gamble and not asking to hear it run. My thinking, the battery is dead due to the standing lights being left on, if I don't ask to hear it run maybe the battery won't be charged before the auction and if the battery is dead no one will have the chance to hear it. That might just the key in not having to bid against anyone.

[manny]

Mike

If this is a Michigan car ( I assume you're still up here ), I'd be more concerned about rust.

[MikeTangas]

The car hails from North Carolina, well at least according to the dealer logo on back and the inspection sticker on the windshield. I don't believe its been in Michigan too long (no snow tires mounted). Couldn't find any rust while scoping it out today.