Steve Saunders Goldwing Forums banner
Cancel

Can oil leak at the GL1500 water pump?

4338 Views 10 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  VDIGUY, 
V
98SE
I found I have some oil leakage, not severe quantities, (I dont think) but an oil leak just the same.
It is on the left side, and seems to go from front to back. Im assumimg the spread is oil being pushed back while driving. It seems to actually start around the water pump, based on where the oil is at.
Has anyone seen leakage starting around there? Is it a common issue? I wouldnt expect it to be leaking from the water pump, but its hard to imagine oil pushing forwards as the bike is driven down the freeway.
I'll try inserting a pic to show you what Im talking about.
Thanks for the input.

Attachments

See less See more
Save
Like
Status
Not open for further replies.
1 - 11 of 11 Posts
T
if a seal is going bad, yes a water pump can leak oil. time for a new pump?
Save
Like
V
Can you help me understand that? Not trying to argue at all, Im just ignorant about it. Theres the seal at the top/front of the pump where the "lid" bolts on but isnt that just for water? Im looking at a blow up on line, Theres a O ring that sits towards tha back, would that do it? I dont think Ive ever actually had a water pump ever go bad, on anything, so it kind of catches me of guard.
Thanks again
Save
Like
Ken Bergen
VDIGUY said:
Can you help me understand that?
Click to expand...
The water pump is driven off the oil pump, there's a seal between the two and when that fails oil is pushed through the water pump bearings and out the weep hole.
Save
Like
V
Would I need to replace the entire pump? Or can I just pull it and replace the seals? From what I read the pump should otherwise last quite a bit longer, I have 62,000 on it now.
Thanks
Save
Like
tricky
Some pictures may help you understand. Although this is of a 1200 model

Attachments

See less See more
3
Save
Like
Ken Bergen
VDIGUY said:
Would I need to replace the entire pump? Or can I just pull it and replace the seals? From what I read the pump should otherwise last quite a bit longer, I have 62,000 on it now.
Thanks
Click to expand...
The grease in the bearings has been washed out by the oil going through them. I doubt it will last long without the proper grease in the bearings.
Save
Like
V
Thanks for the info, I appreciate it. Looks like a simple enough job in the book, I just hope the leak is where it looks like it is. I'd hate to spend the time and money replacing a working pump and not fix the problem.
Save
Like
unionjk
My experience is that is any coolant/oil is coming out the weep hole then the bearings in the pump are gone and this causes the seals to fail due tot he wobble on the pumps shaft. When you get in there and see how much lateral movement your pump actually has you will wonder how it is still functioning at all.
Save
Like
wilmo
while you're at it, get a couple of timing belts and swap those out, too. Only an extra $30 or so and the job is complete, you won't need to go back in there for quite a while, if ever. I would suggest to do those first so your neutral switch will still be in the same position when reassembling.
Save
Like
V
Already had those on the shelf, thats actually what got me taking the skins off.
Thanks
Save
Like
1 - 11 of 11 Posts
Status
Not open for further replies.
Steve Saunders Goldwing Forums
A forum community dedicated to Honda Gold Wing owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about reviews, performance, modifications, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Goldwing Technical Forum General Motorcycle Discussion Forum New Members Introduction Forum For Sale/Wanted Forum Events
Top