On the right side case cover, directly under the water pump is a small hole. You must be under the machine looking directly up at the bottom of the motor to see it. It is about 1/8" diameter and mine just began to leak oil!
This hole never leaked oil before and I need to know what to do to stop it. It goes into the sidecover just behind the seal for the water pump shaft. The only thing I can figure is that the seal went bad and is letting oil past it. Has this happened to anyone else? It only does it when the engine is running. I bought the bike, rode it three or four times, and it began to leak at the end of my last ride. The only thing I did different was we were coming home on the road and I had it wound out more than usual (5th gear). Could this have 'blown' the seal?? I have not torn it apart yet. THANKS!!

 

I've never had this problem with my LT500 but it does sound like a bad seal. You may want to check that your crankcase breather isn't restricted. Even though the movement of the piston itself is separated from the rest of the case, there are still many other fast moving parts at WOT. If the case can't breath through its breather hose, it will find another way (seals...).

 

Never had that problem either. Btodd makes a good point.

 

Drain the oil from the engine. Remove the foot peg. Take the clutch cable loose. Drain the coolant. Take the hose off of the water pump cover. Remove the side cover. You will notice a bearing that connects your impeller to the internal gears. Take the water pump cover off and remove the impeller.Note the bolt that holds the impeller on is reverse threads. Drive out the bearing assembly and replace the seal. If I were you I would also replace the seal under the impeller bolt and the mechanical seal under the impeller. I hope that this helps you.

 

Thanks shuttlemech, I'll try it!
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