97 700 vmax cooling leak--any ideas?

[uperjim]

Just bought a 97 700 Mountain Max and I appear to have a coolant leak at the bottom of the water pump flange. The bottle was empty when I got it and when I removed the radiator cap I had to add about 4 ounces into that too. I added a worm type hose clamp to the water pump lower hose---but it still appears to be leaking from the bottom of the water pump. Any ideas here? Also I burped the system of air--I have heard horror stories about how hard this is but didn't seem to have a problem. Will any small amount of air work its way out through the bottle?--I do not have an air lock as all the hoses get warm.

 

[Wilson]

Sounds like your water pump is leaking . air locks don't let antifreeze out
you will have to find that leak and fix it . I think you can buy a seal and gaskets for the pump . Not sure on that though maybe have to replace the pump.

 

[Riceburner]

Probably the shaft seal on the waterpump. [ It was on my 01 700 Deluxe]

One of the few issues with this engine and only seems to affect a few.

Low $ for the parts. [you can get a kit] but may require engine removal
which takes some time.

If it does not leak too much, just carry some antifreeze with you while sledding for top up and fix it at the end of the season.

 

[uperjim]

Riceburner------If the shaft seal was bad it looks to me according to the schematic that the coolant would leak into the crankcase and not externally? Did yours leak externally? Mine drips from the bottom of the water pump housing.

 

[Riceburner]

Yes it was external. Nothing in the crankcase

Discovered antifreeze on the Garage floor in the fall.

Don't have schematic, sorry.

Dealer did the work but did show me the bad seal .

Good luck,

Dave