Water Pump: Rebuild or Replace?

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manco
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Water Pump: Rebuild or Replace?

#1

Post by manco »

I have an 82 gl1100 that appears to have a weeping water pump. There is some dried coolant residue underneath the pump near the weep hole is why I think this. No major leaks or drips at this time though.

I haven't torn into the pump yet but did start doing some research into the project. I have seen whole pumps for sale as well as pump rebuild kits with seals and bearings. The OEM manual says to only replace the pump and not rebuild it. I have rebuilt a few auto steering and water pumps before with success that were also noted to be not rebuildable so I know these pump rebuilds are possible. I am looking for some input on the specific case of goldwing water pumps though. Has anyone rebuilt one before? Are special tools besides seal and bearing presses needed? How were the results?

As to why I would rebuild over replace its simply cause I am cheapskate. lolol
1982 GL1100 Aspencade w/ California Sidecar
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Re: Water Pump: Rebuild or Replace?

#2

Post by Track T 2411 »

There have been several members who've done the rebuild, and at least one thread with step-by-step pics. I think it was within a build thread in the restoration forums.
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Re: Water Pump: Rebuild or Replace?

#3

Post by Track T 2411 »

Here's the link. Starts on post #29. http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic. ... d&start=15 Good luck!
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
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hacksaw1945
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Re: Water Pump: Rebuild or Replace?

#4

Post by hacksaw1945 »

I would not be to worried with dry coolant around the weep hole, but leaks or drips under the bike, would worry me. Before I torn into the pump I would drain the system and take off the bottom 90 going to the engine from the bottom of the radiator once off I would check how much play you have on the impeller. Go to shop talk and read up on water pumps first. My impeller had 1/2" play in all directions and was dripping. So ride some more and keep an eye on it. It is a job the takes time and you don't want to do it, if you don't need to.
1977 Honda GL 1000, 1982 Honda GL 1100I went naked, 1976 Honda LTD rough long range project, 1945 Indian Chief, 1947 Indian Chief, 1948 Indian Chief, 1958 Cushman Highlander, 1959 Cushman 3 wheel Mailister, 1966 Triumph TR6,
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CYBORG
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Re: Water Pump: Rebuild or Replace?

#5

Post by CYBORG »

Just to add to the conversation, I have several good used ones, and at least one rebuilt one. They are easy to rebuild.
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manco
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Re: Water Pump: Rebuild or Replace?

#6

Post by manco »

Thanks for the info guys. I did more research and found a tutorial on rebuilding the pump. It does look pretty straight forward to rebuild. I looked under my bike again today and it does look damp with a drip. My guess is its leaking about a drip or two per day as its dry on the floor underneath the bike. I am gonna tear into the pump to see what is going on. I am also planning a new thermostat and a radiator flush too. Maybe I will replace the hoses as well. I have a new cap already so that is a start.
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Re: Water Pump: Rebuild or Replace?

#7

Post by Roady »

Check for freeplay on the impeller first. If none or minimal, you may just need new o-rings and crush washers.
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Re: Water Pump: Rebuild or Replace?

#8

Post by jdvorchak »

Glad to see you back online Roady
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Re: Water Pump: Rebuild or Replace?

#9

Post by Roady »

Thanks John. I lurk a lot but post little. ;)
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Re: Water Pump: Rebuild or Replace?

#10

Post by Rat »

If the bike's been sitting, ride it for a while .... might tighten up ....

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manco
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Re: Water Pump: Rebuild or Replace?

#11

Post by manco »

I tore it down today. In the pump the seals are bad, bearings are bad and impeller is cracked. Also the cover had a bad gasket and corrosion around a broken oring for one of the water ports. I am just gonna have to rebuild all of it. Good thing I tore it down to find out the issues. Parts are on the way now. I think I can smooth over the corrosion with the jb weld. Its not too bad.
1982 GL1100 Aspencade w/ California Sidecar
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Re: Water Pump: Rebuild or Replace?

#12

Post by BlueThunder »

Seeing what a PITA replacing the water pump is, I replaced mine with a new one. All new o-rings, washers, etc. I don't want to do it again for another 30 years. There are too many tales on the lack of quality in rebuilt pumps for me to risk using one.
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manco
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Re: Water Pump: Rebuild or Replace?

#13

Post by manco »

That's pretty much what I decided too. I hate doing things twice. Considering with the Goldwing pump water can get to the oil, oil can get to the water plus other issues possible if things go wrong doing everything new seems to be the best route. I am gonna do all new gaskets and seals in the transmission cover too while I at it. Fingers crossed for another 30 years once its done.
1982 GL1100 Aspencade w/ California Sidecar
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