[BadMouth]

Last time I topped off my coolant, I noticed what looked like ultra-fine metallic particles swirling about in the filler neck.

Anyone notice this before a water pump went out?

My plan for now is just to flush the system and keep an eye on it, but I go on a lot of long trips in the summer, so I can't really take any chances.

 

[jimmyj900]

Drain off a quart of coolant into a plastic tray and then run it through a coffee filter.

Let the residue dry and then use a magnet to separate the result.

Very fine brown rust on the magnet is normal but shiny particles are not and something is grinding itself to death.

Either way, you need to flush out the coolant reservoir and replace the coolant every couple of years.

Jim

[ This message was edited by: jimmyj900 on 2007-02-03 11:47 ]

 

[BigVinny]

I have suspected for some time now that my water pump may be on the way out. The temp remains constant (I have a water temp gauge) and is ok but I have noticed a squeeking sound from the left side engine area that seems to be getting worse.

For a while the squeek was slight and short and only on accelleration. Last time I rode it the squeek was more prolonged.

There is a lot of road salt around at the moment so I cant do any road testing but im figuring the next job is to get the pump off and have a good look

Last time I changed the coolant it was in pretty poor shape and had what looked to be some brown rust in it (and some settled in the plastic header tank. I hosed it all out but suspect age has taken its toll down there as the water pump will collect crud as its so low down in the coolant system.

I guess I will find out one way or the other soon !

 

[jimmyj900]

the water pump will collect crud as its so low down in the coolant system.

It's counter-intuitive, but rust collects where the coolant velocity is lowest, so you'll find more rust in the cylinder jacket and head than in the water pump.

Jim