91 Arctic Cat 550 Special, Water pump issue

[Jack Stasney]

Noticed water pump screw on bottom left side (as you are looking at the water pump from the front of the machine) had a drip coming off of it. Took off cover and inspected impeller and o-ring. Got new o-ring, guy at the parts store said it looked shot. Put everything back together and did test run after filling with fluid. Same drip coming off of the same screw??? What else could it be?

[Jack Stasney]

Dealer said it is the mechanical water pump seal. This is behind the impeller and I didn't check it when I pulled it apart. How fun is it going to be get it out? I am going to go try just that tonight.

[Jack Stasney]

Anybody ever changes one of these? I don't even know what it exactly is comprised of since the parts diagrams and even the manual I got don't show all of the parts that are in there from what I can see. Thanks for any input.

[Jack Stasney]

Well I am still waiting on the part, but I managed to find some good info on what these seals are on the internet. Then I decided I'd just pull it out after discussing it with the dealer. Pulled out with a couple of good jerk-baits with a pair of pliers. Sure enough it was visibly worn through. Should get the new one this week. I'll report back on how it goes.

[maxx rpm]

Sounds like you have things pretty well in control. Usually as long as you dont break or lose any parts, really not much harm in taking something apart. Good diagnosis and skill learned!!

[dkhntr]

sorry, I just saw this and my friend is going through the same prob. But his impeller is spinning freely. SO he is getting a new one to.

[Jack Stasney]

Well I got the part and then realized that it also included the metal that actually includes the seal. So to further clarify all I pulled out was the spring. I tried every which way to get the thing out to the point of actually tearing the metal into pieces that make up the seal. It was so stuck on that it wouldn't come off without a hammer and straight blade screw driver. I scuffed up the hole a little where the seal seats on the out edge. What a nightmare! I sanded it down with some 400Gr and paper. Then what I was using to pound the new seal in turned on me and cracked the outer silicone... As you can see I am having fun. Well I guess I am learning... I ordered a new seal again and hopefully it will seat properly otherwise I am going to have to pull the engine and replace the crank case cover itself.

[Jack Stasney]

Okay this time the seal went in great. I bought a socket big enough to fit the outer edge and had no troubles getting it in. Put it back together and it seems to not be leaking after a test run. I'll be taking it out tonight.