Water Pump Leak - but from Where?

[amonti]

Good day Volvo enthusiasts,

I have a 2001 V70XC with 115,000 Kms that started requiring coolant top-ups in Summer without any apparent leak. Now, there's a definite leak (visible on the garage floor), so I took a closer look. I traced the leak to the water pump, so I immediately thought - leak through the bypass hole, but it was clean and dry. Next I thought it was the seal between the water pump and block, but with some pictures, I think it's leaking around the freeze plug! Regardless, I think a new water pump is in order.

I've included a picture of the 'leaky' freeze plug; has anyone heard of this?

Thanks,
Andrew

[amonti]

I forgot to ask another important question: according to the owner's manual, the timing belt should have another 50,000 kms left on it, but I'm thinking that I should change it as well. It appears to have very small cracks in it (see image) - is this normal for 115000 kms?

Thanks,
Andrew

[howardc64]

Here is a Volvo tech noting belt condition like yours before the scheduled interval

http://www.volvoforums.com/m_81259/tm.htm