Water pump "weep" hole oil bubbling out randomly.

[chrisemme1]

Good afternoon fellow ST'ers. I pose this question about the weep hole leaking small amounts of oil and thoughts. Replace water pump components 112K. Originally I thought it was replaced but apparently not. I very recently replaced the $$$$ alternator and now I would like to address this as it seemed t start leaking oil. As with I could smell fresh oil burning.

 

[Raia]

Good afternoon fellow ST'ers. I pose this question about the weep hole leaking small amounts of oil and thoughts. Replace water pump components 112K. Originally I thought it was replaced but apparently not. I very recently replaced the $$$$ alternator and now I would like to address this as it seemed t start leaking oil. As with I could smell fresh oil burning.

I did a water pump R&R , it turned out my radiator cap wasn’t releasing I tested it to 25 psi and it still didn’t release, I’m not saying that’s your problem but check it first, also when you order parts if that the case order a new shaft, mine had wear on it, good luck.

 

[Igofar]

1st Question....could you be smelling oil from a pinched matt on the cylinder head from the Alternator exchange?
Or oil leaking out from the 2 O-rings that are on the Alternator?
2nd question....There are many things that can cause your waterpump/mechanical seal to fail....wrong type of automotive coolant (new acid technologies) will kill your seal etc.
Was it replaced correctly? When replacing one, you must replace all the parts as a complete unit.
You must replace the prop/shaft, bearing, mechanical seal, and oil seal, then you must press it in correctly while SUPPORTING the bearing in the cover, or you'll just end up pushing the bearing out a bit, destroying stuff.
If its leaking out the hole like a sink drip, yes, you have to replace everything.

 

[chrisemme1]

Thanks IGOFAR I know you are the senior go to guy on the ST and no mat pinched (installed a new one someone removed it ) for heat remediation I'm guessing (fail) as I think that was the cause of the alternator failure due to it missing and the V drain blocked with debris. Alternator install went fine lubricated the rubber seals and install went smoothly. Ordered all the parts both seals,bearing, impeller shaft and of course cover gasket. As far as pressing and assembly I have a pretty good mechanical aptitude former mechanic and transmission rebuilder so this isn't anything too complicated IMO.

 

[chrisemme1]

1st Question....could you be smelling oil from a pinched matt on the cylinder head from the Alternator exchange?
Or oil leaking out from the 2 O-rings that are on the Alternator?
2nd question....There are many things that can cause your waterpump/mechanical seal to fail....wrong type of automotive coolant (new acid technologies) will kill your seal etc.
Was it replaced correctly? When replacing one, you must replace all the parts as a complete unit.
You must replace the prop/shaft, bearing, mechanical seal, and oil seal, then you must press it in correctly while SUPPORTING the bearing in the cover, or you'll just end up pushing the bearing out a bit, destroying stuff.
If its leaking out the hole like a sink drip, yes, you have to replace everything.

Good morning IGOFAR: After tearing down the front of the ST engine to do the proper water pump service(also servicing clutch as well since it is accessible) my fellow ST'er

Sidekick​

noticed the damage to the impeller well cavity as you called it improper repair. The specification of the impeller position was off by 3mm and it ground the housing to past paper-thin and creating a breakthrough hole. My question for the person that did this repair would be: Didn't you notice the cover didn't fit flush when you bolted the cover on without forcing it with the cover bolts and obviously that a moving part is making contact with the cover and the Noise coming out of the area??? REALLY?? Really??. Unfortunately the cover Is NLA but there are a decent amount on Fleabay so I ordered one and I will reassemble once the used cover shows up. Just giving you the update have a great weekend and thanks again!!

​

​

.

 

[SMSW]

Good morning IGOFAR: After tearing down the front of the ST engine to do the proper water pump service(also servicing clutch as well since it is accessible) my fellow ST'er

Sidekick​

noticed the damage to the impeller well cavity as you called it improper repair. The specification of the impeller position was off by 3mm and it ground the housing to past paper-thin and creating a breakthrough hole. My question for the person that did this repair would be: Didn't you notice the cover didn't fit flush when you bolted the cover on without forcing it with the cover bolts and obviously that a moving part is making contact with the cover and the Noise coming out of the area??? REALLY?? Really??. Unfortunately the cover Is NLA but there are a decent amount on Fleabay so I ordered one and I will reassemble once the used cover shows up. Just giving you the update have a great weekend and thanks again!!

​

​

.

I think you should take that cover to the service manager and show him what his guy wrought.

 

[Sadlsor]

And maybe the ebay receipt... nothing ventured, nothing gained.

 

[Gus1300]

And the service receipt that verifies the work done...worth a shot. And yet another reason why I try to do as much of my own MX as possible; even though I'm not an expert by any stretch, there's ample advice and information here to get me over the hump!

 

[Igofar]

Good morning IGOFAR: After tearing down the front of the ST engine to do the proper water pump service(also servicing clutch as well since it is accessible) my fellow ST'er

Sidekick​

noticed the damage to the impeller well cavity as you called it improper repair. The specification of the impeller position was off by 3mm and it ground the housing to past paper-thin and creating a breakthrough hole. My question for the person that did this repair would be: Didn't you notice the cover didn't fit flush when you bolted the cover on without forcing it with the cover bolts and obviously that a moving part is making contact with the cover and the Noise coming out of the area??? REALLY?? Really??. Unfortunately the cover Is NLA but there are a decent amount on Fleabay so I ordered one and I will reassemble once the used cover shows up. Just giving you the update have a great weekend and thanks again!!

​

​

.

A better question would be, how the hell didn't the person who first started the bike back up, HEAR the SCREAMING!
And, how did the owner of the bike, not HEAR that horrible noise, and quickly turn the bike off, and point it out to the mechanic before he rode the bike home?
If you have trouble sourcing a water pump cover, I sent some home with John (Aniwack) so he may have some on one of his shelves if you can't find one, reach out to him.
Good luck with this repair, and make sure the ENGINE is completely FLUSHED out, as I'm sure there is metal shavings everywhere in there now.

 

[Igofar]

And the impeller probably looks like this…