On my 1994 Merc 320E class estate, I have a water leak coming from behind what looks like the power steering mount. (Cast into it is Mercedez Benz 103 131 09 35). It also has what looks like a breather hose going to it. I guess it could be a crankcase breather & power steering mount all in one? Is water fed to this item & the gasket has gone, or is the water leak likely to be a leaking freeze plug from behind it?
Please see picture for clarity. I've arrowed where the water is dripping from in red. The photo is taken from looking up underneath the offside for USA readers; (nearside for UK readers).

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engine but isnt the water pump above that general area?

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

The water pump is central at the top of the engine, but there's so much stuff in the way to see if it is coming from there. Guess it's take everything off to see.

I would check out the water pump. They leak when they are about to go South. There is a leak hole on the neck of the pump specificly put there to let you know that the pump is bad.

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Earl



1993 190E 2.3
2000 Toyota 4x4 Tundra

Stude

That is the pump leaking and it will now get worse quite quickly - had the same thing - replaced my own pump - not for the faint hearted.

Regards

I think you are right Kth286. I took it to work today & did a round trip of 50 miles & the temp gauge kept fluctuating between just above normal & high.
When I got home to slowly remove the header tank cap, there was no pressure in it, although it didn't want to take alot of water!
Thanks for your help everyone.