325iX Head Gasket?

[adj575]

I bought an 88 325iX back in February. Sweet ride; cinnabar red, 113,000 miles. I replaced the timing belt & water pump as soon as I got it.
About a month ago, I noticed it was drinking coolant, maybe 2 quarts since I noticed it. There was no coolant in the oil and I couldn't find a leak anywhere.
I popped the hood a few days ago and noticed the front passenger side of the head was wet. It wasn't actively leaking, so I don't know if this is where it is coming from, or where it is ending up.

I think I know the answer, I'm just hoping someone will reply with "Naw, you don't need a new head gasket, just pop the valve cover off and re-torque the head bolts and you'll be good for another 300,000 miles."
I don't think it's the water pump, because the front of the block seems dry.

Anyone have any good news for me?

[strad]

That is an interesting location for a coolant leak, since that "bump" has an oil return running through it. There is a coolant passage to the rear of the bump though. Perhaps it's leaking there and only happens to come out by the oil passage. In any case, given the location, I'm surprised it's not in the oil.

I don't think it would be coming from the water pump, since gravity doesn't typically work that way lol. You might look very closely at the top part of the water pump where it meets the block. Otherwise I think you're going to have to pull the head to figure this one out.

edit: iirc there are also two small passages (1/4" diameter) for coolant to pass just forward of the number 1 piston. Could be leaking from there as well -- more likely than the other passage I mentioned actually.

[adj575]

I rented a coolant pressure tester this weekend, but it didn't have an adapter that fit my coolant reservoir.
Normally I wouldn't mind tearing into this and throwing a head gasket in, but we have a baby due any day now.:crazy:
I've got a few things on my plate.