W124 coolant leak, a little advice please.

[quenching]

Evening all, my '91 W124 230TE has recently developed a coolant leak, coolant level warning light came on about a month ago and I topped it up with about a litre of coolant. It came on again today and it needed another litre, this time I had a look to find the leak and found this drop hanging from what I presume is the water pump pulley? I guess I need a new water pump, if so what sort of cost am I looking at to supply and fit a new one? Is a MB one worth the extra cost over one from the likes of Eurocarparts etc. Alternatively, is there another likely source of the leak that would lead to a drip in the same location?

All advice very much appreciated

 

[mattc]

Before changing the water pump check all you hoses at the front. You might find one of them is split and leaking . I had that problem and it was a lot cheaper than a replacement pump which I assumed was the problem

 

[quenching]

Thanks Matt, checked what hoses I could and all seem fine but its off to the garage at the weekend for a more thorough check.

 

[mattc]

System might need to be under pressure for the split to reveal itself....of course it could stil be the water pump. Let us know how you get on.

 

[quenching]

Turns out the thermostat housing cover, which was still the old plastic type, was weeping a little, but only noticeable when the system was under pressure. Replaced with the newer metal type and seems fine so hopefully that's the only action needed.

 

[mattc]

Much cheaper than a new pump eh! Definite result.