Is a weep at Water pump shaft seal normal?

(2012 RSS Spyder SE5)


I have a coolant "seep" that sure looks like it's originating from the water pump weep hole, it wasn't much, but left a little puddle at the bottom pan. I pulled all the covers on RH side this weekend to be able to access that area better, I could just get a mirror in there to see the "weep" hole and it looked like it had been seeping at one point but was dry now. I checked the worm style clamp, just to be sure. My understanding is that this seal is a "ceramic type"? And is it normal for this type of seal to seep? There was no evidence under the vehicle that it was seeping, I just happened to shine a light through the RH panel near the radiator to see a little evidence at the back of the pan.

Is a slight seep normal, or should I look at getting this repaired?

Thanks.

*yellow area is where I saw coolant near the starter bolt mount*

I'm a bit out of my depth with this, but then it never stopped me before.

It is my understanding based upon what I have read here and elsewhere that this is a common problem for the 998 engine.
This engine is used in several Aprilla models in Europe too.

It seems the general consensus is that as long as the leak is minor, it is no big deal.
Now, this flies in the face of the Perfect Maintenance Theory.

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Originally Posted by spyderCodes

It is my understanding based upon what I have read here and elsewhere that this is a common problem for the 998 engine.
This engine is used in several Aprilla models in Europe too.

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I did come across this thread, and it was very informative...

http://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/s...ter-Pump-Seals

The thread being several years old, I'm wondering if Rotax has upgraded the seal assy? It sounded like people were sending "kzmille" their Clutch housing so the ceramic seal installation was properly done.

I'm wondering if mine does go on leaking more, would I be able to do the repair without having to make special tools?

Not a common problem and water leaks are hard to figure/trace . The biggest issue was the one and only worm drive hose clamp on the spyder was a radiator hose. This was found to be loose on many units. I have seen some with leaky water pump seals and they were replaced and they did not leak after that . They really should not leak but it may be a momentary leak due to debris or build up. Watch it cause as mentioned if it is small it is not a problem you just need to watch the water level. If it goes away you should be fine. If it continues it may be worth changing it out...:thumbup:

I had a water pump seal failure on my 2012 RTS. It seeped for quite a while before I figured out what it was. A seep is an indication of a failure and is best fixed before a significant leak that get into the engine or overheat and cause further damage.

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Originally Posted by Chupaca

I have seen some with leaky water pump seals and they were replaced and they did not leak after that .

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Originally Posted by LJspydee

I had a water pump seal failure on my 2012 RTS. It seeped for quite a while before I figured out what it was.

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Do you need special tools to remove the clutch cover and remove/install the seals?

Not the clutch cover . Have not done one so not sure on the seals but a quick download of a shop maunal online will give you the rundown...

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I have a 2012 RTS and last fall took it in to have a trailer hitch and wiring harness installed. About 1/2 hour into the installation the service manager came out and told me they have found a small leak at the water pump seal. I had not noticed any sign of the problem as I had no dripping on my garage floor. Fortunately they had a pump in stock and replace it at the same time the hitch was installed.

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Originally Posted by sulaco

Do you need special tools to remove the clutch cover and remove/install the seals?

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I had it in for other service at the time. It was covered by warranty, but took three weeks to get parts and another week to fix it.

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My limited understanding from talking with "real" mechanics is the weep hole is engineered into the pump housing to give you an early heads up before you get into a full failure. :thumbup:

Super common. If it's under warranty have it replaced. If it's not under warranty keep an eye on it and do the repair once it starts to get bad or bothers you. I've done 2 now on 2 different Aprilia motors. Its not a catastrophic failure kind of issue, so ride on.

The design of the seal has changed over the years and most leaks/failures had to do with installation. BRP used an "assembly" where most of the parts shaft/seal were already together. However, techs were still botching up the install with gorilla techniques.

Mine failed and was replaced with only 2k miles on my Spyder back in 2012. I sat at the dealer and "babysat" the repair to make sure it was done right. 12k miles later, no issue.

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Originally Posted by DrewNJ

I've done 2 now on 2 different Aprilia motors. Its not a catastrophic failure kind of issue, so ride on.

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Thanks.
Anything special that I need to remove/install the oil seal and water seal? Other than a little common sense:sour:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by spyderCodes

I'm a bit out of my depth with this, but then it never stopped me before.

It is my understanding based upon what I have read here and elsewhere that this is a common problem for the 998 engine.
This engine is used in several Aprilla models in Europe too.

It seems the general consensus is that as long as the leak is minor, it is no big deal.
Now, this flies in the face of the Perfect Maintenance Theory.

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Actually waterpump failures are showing up pretty regular on the 1330's as well.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sulaco

Thanks.
Anything special that I need to remove/install the oil seal and water seal? Other than a little common sense:sour:

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Nope, pick up a manual, take your time, and work smart/clean. Its very straight forward work.

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Search this at youtube

DIY Can Am Water Pump Seal Replacement - YouTube

Excellent video

Water Pump Shaft
Part #: 420220413
Qty: 1
USD$ 32.99

Oil Seal
Part #: 420631460
Qty: 1
USD$ 11.99

Seal Ring
Part #: 420650240
Qty: 1

I believe these are the parts

Hey DrewNJ. Would I need these two tools or could I get by using either sockets or pieces of pipes?

I used a standard bearing and seal driver set available pretty much anywhere.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by DrewNJ

I used a standard bearing and seal driver set available pretty much anywhere.

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Thank you. I'm probably going to roll with the seep for now, keeping an eye on it. If and when the repair is needed, I plan on doing the repair myself. I want to thank everyone for their help and input.

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Good plan! It will likely seep for awhile and not get much, if any worse. I'll bet there are a lot of bikes running around seeping but the owners don't know because they can't see it.


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Hi, any step by step process pics etc to replace pls? deon.dutoit@angliamerican.co.