Leak from Water Pump Drain Bolt

Bulette · 03-19-2018, 04:41 PM

Over the past winter I took the time to work by the "book" to flush and refill the coolant. Aside from removing (and replacing, and removing... and replacing) the Gas tank, the procedure calls for loosening the rear - lower Water Pump Drain Bolt.

Coolant replaced and everything reassembled, I ran the bike until the radiator fan kicked on, swept the garage and put the bike back away.

Now, a few weeks later and anxious for spring, I am a bit dismayed to discover a small (trickle) leak from that rear-lower water pump bolt. Wanted to check-in here to get some of the collective wisdom --- what is my best fix, and through what procedure?

-----

Sounds like the OEM procedure would involve draining the coolant again, removing the drain bolt completely, and replacing the aluminum crush washer. (Anyone know what size/spec that aluminum washer is? Like to have parts on hand before I start!)

Other options seem to include backing the bolt out just a bit, and applying some 'non-hardening permatex gasket sealer' (no coolant flush - or gas tank removal - required)?

Should I drain coolant, replace the washer, and also apply the sealer? Any other shortcuts to try?

Thank you in advance!!

DragonLady58 · 03-19-2018, 04:56 PM

what I do is when replacing the gasket on the water pump, I also replace the main interior seal, also.
And while I torque the bolt down, with new washers, I also use silicone sealer on the bolt cover threads to keep coolant from wicking up the threads.....

03-19-2018, 04:41 PM	#1
Bulette Jr. Member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 2	Leak from Water Pump Drain Bolt Over the past winter I took the time to work by the "book" to flush and refill the coolant. Aside from removing (and replacing, and removing... and replacing) the Gas tank, the procedure calls for loosening the rear - lower Water Pump Drain Bolt. Coolant replaced and everything reassembled, I ran the bike until the radiator fan kicked on, swept the garage and put the bike back away. Now, a few weeks later and anxious for spring, I am a bit dismayed to discover a small (trickle) leak from that rear-lower water pump bolt. Wanted to check-in here to get some of the collective wisdom --- what is my best fix, and through what procedure? ----- Sounds like the OEM procedure would involve draining the coolant again, removing the drain bolt completely, and replacing the aluminum crush washer. (Anyone know what size/spec that aluminum washer is? Like to have parts on hand before I start!) Other options seem to include backing the bolt out just a bit, and applying some 'non-hardening permatex gasket sealer' (no coolant flush - or gas tank removal - required)? Should I drain coolant, replace the washer, and also apply the sealer? Any other shortcuts to try? Thank you in advance!! Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

03-19-2018, 04:56 PM	#2
DragonLady58 Sr. Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Somewhere South of Alaska.... Posts: 2,361	what I do is when replacing the gasket on the water pump, I also replace the main interior seal, also. And while I torque the bolt down, with new washers, I also use silicone sealer on the bolt cover threads to keep coolant from wicking up the threads..... __________________ --------------------- Don't start no schit, there won't be no schit.... My Sarcasm is directly proportional to the amount of Stupidity involved --------------------- VBA#03239 VROC#37400 VRA --------------------- 2014 Vaquero 2001 Nomad FI 2003 Street Glide (sold) 1500 Meanie, fresh rebuild (sold) 90s BUBF Bobber (sold) 2001 UltraCycle FatPounder (Sold) 1975 HD ElectraGlide (Sold) 1982 Kawasaki Z1 Chopper (Sold) Suck It Up & Ride!
	0