Coolant leak

Was wondering if anyone has had an issue with their water pump?

My woes seemed to have started when I topped up the oil whilst in Austria. I noticed a few days later evidence of a leak on the ground, only did it the once. Then it did the same again at BC.Thinking it might have been the oil level being too high, had the oil changed, but the level wasn't that high apparently to be of any concern. [this could be a big red herring] There is no puddle under the bike where it is parked.
Last weekend the leak started again, but as it had been raining on my ride, I put it down to being water from inside the fairing. Then on Saturday someone hooted and called across to me at a set of lights - something green is pouring from your bike!

It is coming from the water pump and a steady enough flow now to be concerned. It only leaks when the engine is running and then only after a few minutes.

Looking in the workshop manual, I see there is a 'safety' drain hole in case the o ring gives in. I checked the Allen screw in case it had worked loose, but is tight.

I am hoping it is just the o ring and have ordered a new one. Would appreciate any views.

In hindsight I am sure I can't see any residue of the leak where it is parked as the water/glycol eventually evaporates, i.e. it is only coolant and not engine oil as well.

Not something I've got personal experience of, Steve, but it sounds like you're approaching it the right way. Hope it is just the O-ring.

Thanks Bob. Chatted with an ol' friend from South Africa who has a FZR, same pump. He had to change his last year, similar issue, hoping that is all it is or possible loosing of the bolts with all the Alpine bouncing around.

Wasn't the o ring seal. Took it for a second opinion last weekend and the verdict was a failed mechanical seal - which means a new pump. At £270 before fitting, a new one wasn't on my radar, a pre owned one from an eBay breakers set me back £35 with postage. Was fitted today and I'm a happy bunny again now that kitty isn't dropping coolant every where it goes.
Turns out it had nothing to do with me putting, what I thought at the time, too much oil in.

Seems it is a fairly rare item to fail, but here's some diagnostics for reference.

There is a drain hole in the center of the underside of the pump, if coolant or engine oil is coming out of there then it's the o-ring pump seal - think around a tenner from Mr Yamaha, I can do one for less than that  
If however the leak is further back, looks like its coming from the engine casing then one of the mechanical seals have failed and as you read above, requires a replacement.
Whilst the pump is held in place by two bolts, it can be irksome trying to get it out and even more so getting the replacement in - lining up the slotted rod can be tricky.
Engine oil leaking from the engine casing / water pump join would mean the small o-ring on the pump drive shaft has given in.

Hi Steve,

Sharp intake of breath requird at the original replacement price!

Glad you got it diagnosed. That's a useful post you've put up.

Are you back on the road now?

Chris

great news steve, glad it all got sorted and not costing too much either  

Result  

greencat wrote:Are you back on the road now?

Yes  No Chris  

I was till last night. Was in the middle of a lovely ride, stop at a lookout point and noticed a stone in the rear tyre tread - whilst taking the stone out I felt some air escaping, pushed the critter back in and rode home - tyre half deflated this morning and will probably be totally flat by the time I get home tonight (I'm not riding it ). The bike is giving problems almost faster than I can get them fixed

Time to lay down the law to little miss kitty huh Steve

Sorry to hear of the woes Steve.

Hope she's starts behaving soon as she needs to be on best behaviour for Oban.

Cheers
Rosco