Do I have a leak or something else to be concerned about?

[gandalf]

So, everytime I ride, I notice this area appears to be wet and gather dirt even when it isn't wet out. Is this normal?

 

[gandalf]

I should note, it's always been this way and I probably should've asked the question a few months ago. The main point being that this isn't new.

 

[lairpost]

Can you tell if it's oil or coolant? Maybe weep from the water pump seal? or maybe from the bolts that mount it. Put a little RTV on the bolt threads first as it quick and easy. Either way it's not much of a leak, just annoying.

 

[gandalf]

It's not oil and I don't think it's coolant either unless it's a very small amount. Maybe I should take it out clean and only ride it on the street where it can't get dirty and see what the wetness is? Is the water pump seal easy to replace? Maybe I shouldn't really worry much but always keep an eye on it?

Thanks,
--g

 

[Motosportz]

It's water slowing leaking out the water pump bolts. It's fine but can be stopped with sealant if you like.

 

[gandalf]

It's water slowing leaking out the water pump bolts. It's fine but can be stopped with sealant if you like.

Just put a little black RTV sealant on the bolts? Thanks again guys

 

[fitness2go]

Mine does the same and Kelly informed me of the same, but I never sealed it...no problems as he said!

 

[gandalf]

Good to know fitness. I'm thinking I'll do the same until I have a good reason to take care of it. Thanks.

 

[lairpost]

It's not oil and I don't think it's coolant either unless it's a very small amount. Maybe I should take it out clean and only ride it on the street where it can't get dirty and see what the wetness is? Is the water pump seal easy to replace? Maybe I shouldn't really worry much but always keep an eye on it?

Thanks,
--g

Hmm, two men say they are Jesus, one of them must be wrong. It's got to be either oil or coolant.

I wouldn't worry about it, just wipe it up after a ride.

 

[Poopy]

Mine does the same thing....now i know!

 

[gandalf]

Hmm, two men say they are Jesus, one of them must be wrong. It's got to be either oil or coolant.

I wouldn't worry about it, just wipe it up after a ride.

Will do.

 

[Up-tite]

Not enough to be oil leak, probably the white lithium grease used during assembly melting then ozzing out. Just keep eye on fluids should be fine. Later George

 

[gandalf]

Thanks George, I'll keep an eye on the fluids.

 

[mxracernumber1]

I've had that happen before on other bikes, but never that much. Personally, I would drain the coolant and replace that gasket. Due to its proximity to the valve cover, I would be curious as to wether or not it's getting in there. If it were mine & was doing it that much, I would have to investigate and change that gasket, but that's just my opinion. If it kept doing it after the gasket change, I would remachine the surface of the pump cover & regasket-under the premace that it's not flat. Though it may not get much worse for a long while, it's not going to get better.

 

[pvduke]

Bet it's coolant.....check yer hoses.

If it really gets on yer nerves, Flush and clean that area and get it bone dry then do a propper leak-check. Baby-powder blown on with a turkey baster works in a pinch...

 

[Fast1]

Have you checked to ensure the torque on those three bolts is to spec?

 

[gandalf]

Bet it's coolant.....check yer hoses.

If it really gets on yer nerves, Flush and clean that area and get it bone dry then do a propper leak-check. Baby-powder blown on with a turkey baster works in a pinch...

Have you checked to ensure the torque on those three bolts is to spec?

Will do. Thanks.

 

[gandalf]

I've had that happen before on other bikes, but never that much. Personally, I would drain the coolant and replace that gasket. Due to its proximity to the valve cover, I would be curious as to wether or not it's getting in there. If it were mine & was doing it that much, I would have to investigate and change that gasket, but that's just my opinion. If it kept doing it after the gasket change, I would remachine the surface of the pump cover & regasket-under the premace that it's not flat. Though it may not get much worse for a long while, it's not going to get better.

Thanks. I'm going to keep an eye on it and when I have the opportunity I'll check out the gasket.