190E 2.6 Coolant Leak
 

My 1989 190E 2.6L Gas/Auto has a coolant leak from the engine.

My vehicle experience tells me that when most water pumps leak, they leak at the shaft seal. The seal is dry on this car, i can see it and feel it's dry.

I count 1 coolant drip off the oil pan every 18-22 seconds. If I let the level run down so the light comes on, it doesnt leak until I fill the reservoir up again, and then it drips. It drips running or not. The highest place I can see green coolant is at the rearmost lower bolt that secures the A/C Compressor mounting bracket to the engine. Not sure if there is a water jacket behind the bolt, I removed both rearmost bolts that hold that aluminum bracket to the block and sealed with RTV, the leak did not change frequency. I notice that the water pump is right above the A/C Comp. But to the best of my ability I cannot see any leak directly from the water pump.

Does anyone have direct experience with a water pump leak, and does it match the symptoms you had? It looks like a nasty chore to R&R the pump.

Your wise wisdom is needed again. Thanks in advance.

For me when my water pump started not working right, there was a leak at the very front of the car, directly beneath the pump. That's where the leak will come from.

Yeah - the water pump job is not a fun one, but I've heard it's not too terribly bad for a DIYer. Put it this way - it's better than evap. replacement on a 300E!

Good luck,
Michael

You might want to check that little short hose from the water pump to the head, in case you haven't already.

My experience tells me it is your water pump. Get underneath your car and check the areas where the pump is connected to the engine block. You should see where the coolant is dripping if it is the Water pump.

let us know what it is when you find it.
Joseph

Yes. The M103 water pump leaks down towards the motor mount. Could also be the o-ring between the water pump and the block. No way to check that without pulling the pump.

Sixto