Water Pump is Leaking is it Dead?
 

okay I replaced the thermostat and o-ring with original MB parts. I usually order from fastlane but i needed this in a hurry so sorry to the guys who run the site.

The leak is still there. I beleive I have pin pointed it with pictures. I still think it has to do with me replacing the thermostat b/c it didnt leak before that, but my engine did overheat the day the old stat went out so maybe that caused it.

I have attached pics of the problem area, there is a little puddle of water/coolant in the red circles, the last picture shows it best. I see the liquid dripping but its difficult to see from where exactly. Let me know what you guys think.
https://webspace.utexas.edu/babtahi/www/pics/1.jpg https://webspace.utexas.edu/babtahi/www/pics/2.jpg https://webspace.utexas.edu/babtahi/www/pics/3.jpg

What Model and Year?
 

When water pumps fail they usually leak coolant from the weep hole on the underside of the pump. That means the seal on the bearing is bad.

I suspect that is your problem.

I recently replaced the water pump on my '88 260e and it is very labor intensive.

That is on your 96 E320, when my pump failed on my SL320 it accumulated water in the same place. they fail at about 100k. Not a fun project, just take your time and be patient. Remove the belt, the PS pump and when you remove the hex bolts that hold on the pump be sure they are clean as you could strip the bolt if the allen doesn't go all the way into the head. You might also have to remove the compressor and the oil separator. Takes a Saturday. Be sure to put it up on ramps before you start cause you will have to get underneath it. Good luck!
Brian

If it's not top secret, confidential information, would you mind sharing the year and model? Is it safe to assume that it is an MB?

Good luck,

sorry, i thought i had posted that... its a 96 C280. Any of you guys have pictures or instructions on how to replace the pump? Do the Service CD-Roms have that kind of info, was thinking about buying them.

PS: there are two pumps on fastlane, does it matter which one i get cuz one is cheaper.

It is not a simple job to replace the pump on one of these cars, but it can be done. It's just that for most folks they have to pull the power steering pump and move it aside and remove the belt tensioner. It is a four or five hour job for the DIYer. There is a special tool that some folks can use and replace the pump without pulling the tensioner or p/s pump, so they claim. The tool is p/n FLXM13 from the Snap On man and costs almost $50.

Good luck,