Leaking water pump and overheating

[Fozz]

A couple of weeks ago I had water leaking from the engine when I got home from a short run, she was going into the garage anyway to have rear seatbelts put in, they checked for a water leak but found nothing. All OK until Friday when the engine overheated after quite a short run, only about 5 miles, with steam coming out of the overflow pipe every time I stopped.
The water level was way down, and the leak started again. It seems to be coming from the water pump, only a drip, but took her out for a couple of miles and it stopped!
The fanbelt was quite loose, but the fan was turning OK and there was no noise as you'd expect from a loose belt. Tightened it up before going out yesterday.
Could be the water pump gasket I suppose, or may be time for a new pump!

[PSL184]

Either failed water pump (not gasket) or the small bypass hose (most likely).

[bmcecosse]

Indeed - could be the carbon seal in the water pump. For security - would be worth fitting a new pump. Not expensive compared to seized engine.