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Just fired up the DRZ400e to see if it still runs. Like a clock.
However, upon warming it up to operating temp, I noticed coolant seeping from the bottom of the water pump, where it attaches to the motor. It did not leak any coolant over winter storage and does not seep/weep/leak when cold.
Catastrophic water pump failure? Just a leaky seal or gasket?
Discuss.
Brendan Nagle
04 DRZ400e
Me and tools have an understanding: If I don't use them, they don't break my stuff.
Could be the o-ring seal on the shaft. Some have a tiny hole drilled in the casting... I bet if it sits a while the o-ring gets a bit crusty. Like me! lol
My yamy did the same thing...there should be 2 seals on the impeller shaft, one for the oil, one for the coolant. Probably only cost you $10 for the part and six pack to install.
primerib72 wrote:My yamy did the same thing...there should be 2 seals on the impeller shaft, one for the oil, one for the coolant. Probably only cost you $10 for the part and six pack to install.
Thanks for that, Brad.
Didn't know the shop took payment in 6-packs.
I'll check for impeller-shaft seals at local Suz dealers and go from there.
Great ride on Wed, by the way. Wouldn't mind trying that again. I need to work on those hills some more.
Brendan Nagle
04 DRZ400e
Me and tools have an understanding: If I don't use them, they don't break my stuff.
This came from a post on 4strokes.com and comes with a small diagram.
Leaky Water Pump Fix
Many people have had a problem with a leaky water pump on their DRZ400. Replacing parts almost always fails to solve the problem. The problem is a design flaw, not a blown seal. The water pump leak can be fixed with a little RTV. RTV stands for Room Temperature Vulcanizing; it's a generic term for a silicone adhesive/sealant. Permatex is one company that makes RTV. Any brand or color RTV is fine. All you have to do is put a tiny bit of RTV at the base of the (rubber part) seal between the impeller and seal where it meets the shaft. In other words apply RTV to this seal to make it fit the impeller shaft tighter. Make sure to let the RTV dry for at least 24 hours before adding coolant.
If I understand correctly, they're saying silicone around the seal where it meets the shaft is the fix. I, of course, couldn't tell an impeller shaft from an elevator shaft, so it goes without saying I'll need someone to hold my hand when I try and put this all together.
Brendan Nagle
04 DRZ400e
Me and tools have an understanding: If I don't use them, they don't break my stuff.
That image in the tech article is misleading, you do not pull that seal off, rather fill the void between the collar its on and the shaft with RTV, as the coolant leaks through there along the shaft, the press fit is not tight enough to prevent leakage. IIRC not a big deal, drain coolant, remove pump, one finicky snap ring and a certain order of operations. Or you can ride with it like that for 2 years as I did, but no one likes a leaker and a pain to top up! Have you done the other loctite fixes and the manual tensioner?
Wouldn't mind trying that again. I need to work on those hills some more. 
