I have taken off the water pump housing twice on my 2001 DS650 to fix a leak. Each time I have cleaned the o-ring and then lubed it with non hardening permatex. Each time the seal starts leaking right away. I think it is the o-ring must have a failure in it and have ordered another one. Has anybody else had the same problem with water pump leak along the bottom? Could the water pump housing be warped or leaking elsewhere?

 

Are you sure its not coming out of the weep hole?

 

I think Jeff is right. It's probably your waterpump seals/shaft that need replacing.

 

Like Jeff says That is prolly where it's comming from. Or should be anyway.
I am on my third shaft and seals if you count the originals. My first change i didn't use mollycote(I think thats what it's called) between the seals. And it only lasted a couple months and the shaft was groved pretty good. This time I used a teflon bases grease between the seals. This is what the local DS dealer said they use. It's only been a couple weeks so far are this go around. Any way make sure you change the shaft and seals or it will leak right away. I tried that too and no worky[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif[/img]

 

Yep, definitely use grease (molykote 111) or equivelent between the new seals! and replace the shaft. Here is some info:

Waterpump info...

 

sorry double post...

 

Hey, you guys might be right. I think it is coming out of the weep hole. I didn't even know it was there. I will look tonight. Do I need to remove the clutch cover on the side of the motor to replace the seal or can I just remove the water pump impeller and put in a new seal? Thanks

 

Yes you can, but it's a little more difficult. You will be replacing two seals so don't buy just one. After you remove the roll pin on the impeller you will see the shaft and the first (coolant) seal. The trick is to remove the seal without damaging the shaft or housing. It can be done, unless the seal(s) are stuck firmly in the housing. If you drill a small pilot hole in the flat part of the seal on each side of the shaft and insert a #6 metal screw about 1" long and use these screws to grab with pliers and rock the seal out. If you pull the screws out without budging the seal you can try a #8 screw in the same holes. Once removed you will see the second seal (oil), it should be replaced also. Both seals are the same, but pay attention to their orientation. Dont' put the new ones on inside out. The oil seal goes in to the housing with the flat side facing you, the coolant seal goes just the opposite with the cupped side facing you. Use moly grease on the shaft and sealing surfaces when reinstalling. When the seals are out check the shaft for any grooves. If you can feel a groove with your fingernail you will need to replace the shaft. I am on my third set of seals and my second shaft in about 200 hours of riding.

If you can't get the seals out or if the shaft is bad, then the clutch cover must come off. Not a tough job. I have reused the clutch cover gasket every time, just put a thin film of silicone on it and reinstall. One last point, When installing the seals the first one (oil) is installed until it bottoms in the housing. The second one (coolant) is NOT bottomed to the first one, a gap is necessary for the weep hole to work, just install it flush with the outside of the housing in the impeller area.

 

Water pump repair