More questions!!...

I pulled the water pump off as part of my changing the front sprocket. Not sure it was necessary now that I look back at it (at the time, I was just trying to get anything that looked 'in the way' out of the way!).

Well, there was a thin red gasket in there, and it seems to be in good shape still. It didn't fray or break apart or anything. I do notice however, when laying it back in place - in the groove around the pump cover, it looks almost like it's stretched out. There's extra slack in it that doesn't all lay flush in the groove. Would I need to replace this gasket? I know whenever you take something that's gasketted apart, you 'should' always replace it, but local bike shop said if it doesn't look bad, then can get away without. If I need to, any ideas (besides the bike shop) where to get/order a replacement? Do I need to use the liquid gasket stuff on that?

On the same note.. would it be normal to see oil coming from inside there when I pulled it out? From what I've been reading online, it seems like this could be the norm. Something about the water pump being a water/oil pump? I swear I read that somewhere.. maybe on was specific to some models not others, I don't remember.

As always, thanks for the help! Any and all input is DEFINITELY appreciated, and I hope you all don't get fed up with what might be 'newb' questions! I have half a mechanical brain, but this bike has been a learning experience! I've also read and heard the horor stories of what 'could' go wrong with half *** repairs, and not doing things that should be standard procedure. I don't want this bike to turn into a worthless pile, with this half *** fix leading to bigger on-going problems that hunt me the rest of the bike's natrual life!

Might as well add one more questions since I guess it would be related to this same thing. When I put this back together.. I plan to flush the coolant system real good. Should I reassemble everything (with exception of plastics I suppose) and fill with water to flush? Is there a drain **** on the bottom of the radiator or something for this purpose? And would I be adding the fluid through the overflow tank or is there a fill cap on the radiator? Would you advice disconnecting the overflow tank at the bottom and flushing that tank out independently of the rest of the system as well? I noticed that now that it's empty, there seems to be some residual gunk left over in that tank. I might sound like a total idiot with some of these questions/comments, but unfortunately I'm at work now and just asking as these thoughts come to mind. I might be answer myself when I've got the bike in front of me and can possibly find the answers. I've also got the manual as a resource, but sometimes hearing it direction from somebody's personal experience and point of view just makes more sense!

Thanks All!
-B

 

I have reused gaskets before, no biggie. Only concern is, if the gasket doesnt hold how much will you have to tear apart to get a new one in? Weigh that against the cost of a new one, little cost/benifit analysis, economics class was worth something.

Quickest way to new parts is the kawi dealer, but you can get them cheaper online, just look for motorcycle parts stores and shop around on the microfiche. I wouldnt recomend glueing the parts back together where moving fluids are concerned as any excess sealant and break off and get into the engine. Use it sparingly if you need to.

Dunno on the oil, but if there was alot of it you must be right. clean it up before you put it together tho.

There should be a drain, if not just pull a hose. If you get the chance to flush the parts off the bike, it certainly wont hurt. The resevior tank does not "fill" the system, it only keeps it topped off. You must fill the system from the cap on the upper radiator hose on the right side (on my '89), should be easy to spot.

Clean every part you can at every opportunity, they are tough to clean when the bike is together and even if it doesnt help performance it always looks nicer.

Hope I covered everything, have fun!

 

Pull the drain plug from the bottom of the water pump to drain. pg 3-5 in the factory manual.

The clutch slave cylinder needs removed but not the water pump for a CS removal/install.

I have used a dab or two or silicone to aide in getting the old O ring back in the groove. (they are just abit larger than the groove it seems) the manual recommends using oil. Since you have the pump off, may as well inspect the plastic water impeller. Good luck with the fix

 

Cool.. I thought about that with the gasket Prom. My only thing is trying to get this together soon as I can! I've had little luck tracking down some of the maybe uncommon small parts like that on the web, only gaskets I could actually find were for exhaust and head cyclinder. And then no matter where I order from, dealer or online, I'll have to wait for it to come! I'm starting to get impatient.. but at the same time, DO want to do it right.

Drag, maybe that's why I haven't found it.. I'm searching for a gasket, maybe I need to modify that to 'O ring'. And I could swear.. just going from memory that the impeller was metal or aluminum(?). It seemed to look good though.

And back to cleaning.. that's part of what's been taking me so long on this thing! While I've got it all apart, I have been scrubbing and cleaning and pollishing as much as I can, as I know once it's together.. it'll mostly just get the plastics wiped down day to day and not any real thorough cleanings.. unless it gets filthy somehow. I've actually contemplated hitting the swinarm with some fresh paint cause it really looks like hell!! That would be just another big setback though.. more to take apart, then prep'ing, spraying, curing.. all that! Guess we'll see.. If I knew there was a good chance I could be out riding this weekend, I'd say forget the paint, let's get it cleaned, back together, fluids topped off.. and back on the road!

Thanks as always guys!

 

There is always winter projects for paint and disassembly.

Are you searching for the gaskets? Best bet is to use the parts microfiche, and get the part number off that. Will save you alot of headaches especially if you get the wrong part in the search. I know ronayers.com and partshark.com have the fiche for you to use, but I wont vouch for their prices. Now get back to work!