190E 2.6 Massive Coolant Dump

[BenzBob60]

Fellow MB Techsters.....I am new to Benz ownership.One month in with the "BABY" running well (162k miles), I had a small coolant leak turn to massive, without being able to pinpoint a location of the leak. Here are the facts:

1) started dripping from bottom of radiator, drivers side. This appeared to be the end of the trail with the source unknown.

2) no pipes or hoses apparently leaking.

3) car had great heat.

4) No noise from the H20 pump.

5) When I jacked up the car, ran it, and crawled under to find the leak....it stopped leaking. When I put the car back on terra firma ....it gushed.

6) Loosened the radiator, lossened the top radiator hose and the plastic nipple came off with the hose.....arrrrhhhhh Took off the drive belt and the w/p had no play in the shaft.

I had two mechanics offer their opinion. One said the weep hole on the h20 pump was dumping the coolant. But no other symptoms there to back that up.

The second said it was probably a freeze plug failure. I'm starting to think this is it. The car is from "the Ocean State" and of the plugs I can see, they appear to be rusted. The source is likely to be on the intake side of the engine, and I have a sneeking feeling there is a hidden plug there that
may have crapped out. I was wondering if there is one on the block behind the h20 pump housing? Can anyone tell me how many there are total, so I know the correct qty. to order? .... Many Thanks.....