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+--- Thread: water pump impellor spins freely, starter? (/showthread.php?tid=8024)
water pump impellor spins freely, starter? - Guest - 03-06-2011
When I remove the thermostat housing and access the water pump it spins freely. Is this normal? Can I replace a drive key or do I need a new pump? Also:
My starter engages sometimes to turn the engine, other times it just free wheels until I release the button. Is a starter clutch a big deal on these? Thanks!
Re: water pump impellor spins freely, starter? - SIR tricky - 03-06-2011
Me thinks your having more problems than the pump, I think the water pump is driven by the oil pump and shouldn't turn freely.
Could be just the pump splines broken or the drive shaft broken, looks like your going to have to dig in there and check.
After you have sorted out the water pump problem, running a quart of seafoam through the engine mixed with the oil for about 200 miles or so should loosen up the starter clutch, sounds like it is gummed up a little.
Re: water pump impellor spins freely, starter? - unionjack - 03-06-2011
My first OEM pump lasted 24 years until it wore out and started leaking, the impeller has a lot of sideways movement, so much so I was surprised it hadn't sheared right off.
The second less expensive Sabre Cycles pump (made in India) lasted about 6 months before the shaft snapped off inside the engine where it connects to the oil pump. In this case there was no sideways wiggle but the impeller turned easily with my finger.
The third pump (an OEM) has been working just fine since.
Re: water pump impellor spins freely, starter? - bs175dths - 03-08-2011
kingcustomcycles Wrote:When I remove the thermostat housing and access the water pump it spins freely. Is this normal? Can I replace a drive key or do I need a new pump? Also:
My starter engages sometimes to turn the engine, other times it just free wheels until I release the button. Is a starter clutch a big deal on these? Thanks!
Before going straight to the starter clutch check a few things. Proper oil viscosity for your climate for one. This may sound funny, but when I changed my oil with 20/50, the starter spun the motor slower than the synthetic that was in there. She runs synthetic now (and oil preference is a hot topic NOT to be discussed here.
Is your battery fully charged? A weak battery will have enough umph to spin the starter motor, but not enough to spin it fast enough for the starter to engage. Test (or have tested) the battery. NOT JUST 12VDC, but specific gravity of each cell will indicate the amount of power, or cold cranking amps (CCA) the battery has. A hydrometer is the tool needed for testing specific gravity of each cell and can be purchased at all well stocked motorcycle shops and some auto part stores.
Your water pump needs more investigating as has already been mentioned.
Good Luck.
-Ride On