Have just started to get a little leakage through the weephole on the waterpump casing. I understand that this is the first sign that the waterpump is starting to fail... How quickly do I need to address this? I'm really not losing fluid that fast and I already have the bike booked in for it's service but I have probably 500 miles to do before then... Should I be panicking yet?
Starting to think I'm a hypochondriac when it comes to the health of my bike
The tell tale signs of a water pump failure are the extra volume of oil that wasnt there to begin with accompanied by alot of mayonnaise in the oil filler cap and a drop in coolant level. Also the oil in the coolant is a sign. Keep an eye on these as if water enters the lubrication system, it will push oil into your airbox at best but knacker other things too at worst.
This is the first I have heard of the weeping plug being the forerunner of a damaged pump though.
Might be worth searching www.f650.co.uk for more answers as of of the chaps made a big job of the water pump a while ago.
Thanks Komatias - I have checked both the oil and coolant and all looks ok... Coolant hasn't dropped much, still well within the min level. Oil looks fine, not the best condition but it is just coming up for it's 24,000 mile service - but def no white gunk.
I read about the the leaking being a sign of failure on f650.com but i will check the f650.co.uk site as well. Thanks for the heads up
The weep hole is there to give warning of a leaking pump seal and also to provide an 'escape route' for the coolant so as to prevent oil contamination.So yes,the pump is leaking.Will it last 500mls? Probably - but keep an eye on it.
Tony
Thanks Tony - sounds about what I thought. I had a chance to stop by NOG today for them to give it a quick look over and guess what... it's stopped leaking!!
So I'm just making sure I park it somewhere I'll see if it's leaking. I've got 150 miles to do tomorrow, same again on Thursday and then 100 on Friday then she goes back in the garage until her service (and waterpump fix hopefully under warranty )
Check for leakage the next morning when the engine is cold.
Start the bike and look for drips on the exhaust under the weephole.
After a few minutes it stops.