Coolant Leak 89 929 SOHC

[older929]

I'm pretty sure I know the answer to this but there's always hope. My 89 929 (US) w/97K is leaking coolant at the center of the engine. I can see a lot of dripping right at the timing belt cover degree marks. Power steering is out due to the coolant going right on the belt. From what I can tell, I'm guessing water pump but am also wondering about theromostat related leaks. If I grab onto the fan and try to wiggle it, I am not getting any feeling of play as I would expect from a fully toasted water pump but then again I'm not sure if this pump would have failed that way. It's an easy job to replace but the thermostat related thing could be done much sooner. It is winter where I live, most 20 degrees F or so and pulling the Timing belt would be too much in this kind of cold not to mention snapping off bolts etc when it's cold.
Thanks for any and all advise.

[Matsuda 9]

the thermostat on V6 is on the right side at the bottom of the engine (the JE/JF has more unusual coolant flow system to most cars, its upside down)

you can always check the hoses that are on the front (there are a few) especially a set that hides around the distributor. but i would sy its your watter pump.

the job is not that complicated, just fiddly

[older929]

Yeah, basically a timing belt change + wp. Done the belts enough times I don't need a manual. Wish I could find a "kick-myself-in-the-ass" smiley, I did the belt 2 years ago and skipped the WP. Big dummy :-)