'91 9000 cooling problems

Hi Foks

I have a '91 9000 SE 2.4 (non-turbo), with about 196k miles on the clock. Recently it has developed a couple of faults I thought I would run past you....

Started to use a lot of water. Tonight I spotted the leak - from where the water pump connects to the block. From what I read in the Haynes manual, this appears to be a push fit with an O ring seal. Is this correct? Can I remove the bolts holding the 2 halves of the pump together and then disconnect it from the block without removing the pump entirely? Is this a sensible cousre of action? Is it likely to be any other problem?

Totally unconnected (I think). The ventilation fan is a 4 speed job, no aircon. A few days ago it refused to work at all. Checked the fuse, was ok.

3 days later, it suddenly started working. Tonight, it stpped again. It has never stopped whilst driving, only when starting the car from stationary. Apart from stripping the dash and checking the connections, any other ideas?

Thanks in advance

Julian (I need to get this stuff fixed - determined to get past 200,000 miles and complete the run-in)