I have a 2000 Sportsman 500 and I thought that my water pump seal went out as it was dripping antifreeze. So I let it run until it was hot and WHILE it was running I wiped off the seal and to my surprise it stayed dry. I noticed a small hole in the pump. It almost looks like it’s supposed to be there. If your facing the pump its at about 7 o clock and about ½ an inch from the bock. This is where it seemed to be coming from. I looked at the hoses and they were all dry. I did not see any cracks in the block, and nothing was coming out of the bolts. What the heck is that hole and how the heck to I fix it?? I looked and my fluids seem ok for now but its coming out pretty good and I bet 20 minutes of ridding it would be dry. I rode it a few weeks ago and it was fine then. Please I hope you can help.

 

I don't have a sportsman, but from the sound of it you are looking at a "weep hole" they may be placed between a double seal or similar area needing venting. A drop of fluid out a weep hole isn't an issue, if steady fluid is coming out there is a failed seal somewhere...still.

 

That is indeed the weep hole. The other end of it is on the water pump housing between the oil seal and the water seal. Your water seal has gone bad and is letting water past. That means it is also leaking water inside the engine and will cause damage. Sorry.

 

When you read these boards (all of them), take the advice for what it is worth(it is free to you)lol. Yes, your seal is bad, but that does not mean that coolant is getting into your motor. Just have the mechanical seal in the water pump changed out.

Greg