Just a hose, or the entire water pump? [190e 2.6]

1993 190e 2.6
73.5k

Hello friends.

I've been dealing with a leak for a few weeks now. It's rather strange, and I will list the conditions here:

1. I noticed a "damp spot" under the car, directly below where the water pump housing sits about 2 weeks ago.

2. After further watching, I notice that the spot appears quite a bit later, after I have parked. I drove yesterday for about 30min. round trip and parked back in the garage when I returned home. I check the car 2 hours later and it was dry underneath. When I checked it this morning, I noticed the small damp spot.

3. I had the head gasket replaced about 3 weeks ago. I don't think that the water pump assembly was touched when the work was done.

Do you think that it might just be a bad hose, or would you think that it would be the entire water pump unit that is beginning to go bad? I'm not noticing any strange or unusual noises from under the hood, suggesting a failure.

About how much would I expect to pay at the dealorship for a water pump if that is indeed what it is?

Thank you for your help,
Michael.

[blaubenz_mb]

mradowic:

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but it sounds like you may have a water pump that is on the fritz. Your water pump has a small "weep" hole underneath and it is entirely possible that it's leaking only when your car is not running. Mine did the same thing... The dealer couldn't find my leak after pressure testing. It was only after they let it sit overnight that they were able to locate the leak at the water pump. If this is your problem and you replace the pump, make sure you get the hose that goes from the pump to the block (Mine was part number 103-203-00-82) as the two ends of the hose are totally different sizes. At the dealer expect to pay for 6 hours of labor to replace it as there is a number of things that have to to be moved and removed. At the dealer the water pump costs about $119.00 US.

Hope that helps/David