'82 380sl Coolant leak
 

On behalf of a friend...

Poor water in the expansion tank and it drains immediately from water pump gasket? Due to poor visability (pumps belts etc), this is where it appears to be originating. Is this possiable or is it most likely something more severe? I suggested he send it on a flatbed to the repair shop. Car has 95k, 5k in past 3 yrs, previously owned by "our" pharmacist who gave it everything it ever needed.

Although my friend doesn't do his own maintenance, he doesn't neglect his cars. He has always been into cars and knows the value of guages and idiot lights. Being of limited financial means he is on the verge of cardiac arrest that his favorite afternoon roadster may require a 2nd mortgage to repair.

Your comments are appreciated.
Bob

My guess would be the leak is coming from weep hole behind the water pump pulley which requires a new pump rather than just a new gasket. Leakage from the weep hole is a warning that the water pump is on its last legs.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

Concur. Better get the defibrilator ready.

There's what appears to be a weep hole in the top. Does the water pump have two?

Water pump isn't sooo bad. $150 for pump plus about 4 hrs labor was a guesstimate from someone he contacted.

While researching this question, I read about the single timing chain being replaced by a double and an implication that it was covered by MB. If it was never done, any chance of MB covering a replacement at this milage?

Bob

There might be some goodwill if the car or owner has a history with the dealership. Walk in off the street with a 22 year old car? Good luck.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL