just bought 02 700. changed all fluids and filters. inspecting drive belt and found fresh antifreeze in cover and behind drive clutch. Is there a seal behind the backing plate that could leak and cause this? I'm reasonably sure (90%) that I did not spill, especially way back there!
I have an O&M and service/repair manual and am still unsure.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: mnbearhunter

just bought 02 700. changed all fluids and filters. inspecting drive belt and found fresh antifreeze in cover and behind drive clutch. Is there a seal behind the backing plate that could leak and cause this? I'm reasonably sure (90%) that I did not spill, especially way back there!

I have an O&M and service/repair manual and am still unsure.</end quote></div>

Could have leak at thermostat o-ring and seeping down, also at return hose clamp itself at thermostat or possibly sensor below thermostat cover. Clean engine and check while at idle for leaks

 

Thanks. Much appreciated.

 

I'll have to check that on mine as well... It doesn't seem to visibly leak but the coolant overflow tank needs topped off regularly. I haven't been able to figure out where its going to...

 

My '03 600 leaked a little drop of antifreeze at the bottom of the water pump cover and was hard to see. I found it by rubbing my hand underneath the housing cover and it came up wet.The cover for that year was plastic with a metal cover and the replacement was a solid piece of aluminum with a better gasket. I have seen that similar leak in almost every 02-03 sportsman. Worth a look....

 

When I stripped off all the plastic to inspect the unit I noticed the inside of the clutch cooling duct was coated with "wet goo". I noted it mentally but hoped it was just "mud". Now I'm thinkin coolant leak. As long as I have it stripped I'll get out the high intensity lights and wait for the inevitable drip. This poor thing has 4100 miles, 257 hrs and appears to never have seen a dealer since new. (TSB's not even done) It's ok. I'm an old hand at rescue 911. I'm a loyal & proud Polaris owner. I've ridden all the others and will stick with Polaris. I picked up two brand new Pure Polaris belts yesterday for $10 each. Also got a new Kolpin Bucket Hugger, Kolpin Soft rear rack pack, Kolpin Camo mitts and two new gaskets for the clutch housing, all for $115.00! The tires are fairly worn and dont meet my needs so I'm lookin for a set of all around snow/mud tires. Used preferably. Sounds like alot of guys like to get new so I hope to relieve them of the "old" set.

 

Pump cover is plastic. Someone has tried sealing with Hitemp RTV. I check it and see "wetness" but no leak per se. I'll make a planned purchase to replace and as soon as I see trouble I'll be ready.

 

The wetness is how mine was too. It is a slow process but it seems as though I was always adding fluid in the overflow. Some that I have seen have a small drip hanging on the bottom.The new one I bought from the dealer is all aluminum and has a better gasket. Easy to replace. My concern was if coolant is getting out, other water and debris might get in. Good Luck.

 

Good point about the in/out of junk. So, the aluminum cover doesnt have a weep hole?[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

 

I'd have to check again but I don't remember seeing one........