water pump life span k100

[squishband]

I have an 85 k100 with 30k, I am wondering if it would be advisable to replace water pump(pump is original part) before leaving on a 8k trip. I plan to replace all hoses and thermostat and flush cooling system so I'll already be in there anyhow. Has any one had any problems with their pump wearing out at under 50k.
Thanks for any advise.

[Ridealot]

I am pretty sure that the '85 water pumps had a problem. If I remember correctly they redesigned the water pump. It had something to do with the impellor shaft breaking. What I don't remember is if all the '85 bikes had the old design or if it was changed mid year.

Maybe you can find out more info on one of the Tech Forums like the IBMWR site. I'm sure it would be more helpful than my 20+ years fuzzy memory.:scratch

[deilenberger]

The problem was - the '85 and earlier pumps used a threaded end on the water pump shaft, with a nut, to hold the impeller on. On occasion, the end would snap off and the nut would destroy the water pump cover, allowing all the coolant to escape. Starting with the '86 model year - the end of the shaft had a threaded hole in it and a bolt went into the hole to hold the impeller on.

It's a known weak point on the '85 pumps. If it worries you - the answer is a new pump (the parts to convert it are more than a fully assembled pump.)

[Roc-Roc]

On my 85K100RS It didnt start to leak till around 190K miles. I took it off and took to my dealer, they rebuilt it with the new impeller shaft. The cost of the rebuilt was $160. I put another 40K before I sold it.


roc

[zoridog]

I replaced mine in January. Mine is also an 85 R100 with just under 30K. It was leaving an oily, watery stain wherever I parked. I'm no mechanic but I reasoned that leaking was a sign of future failure.

Cost was $415 for the new pump unit.

[roy]

I have an 85 k100 with 30k, I am wondering if it would be advisable to replace water pump(pump is original part) before leaving on a 8k trip. I plan to replace all hoses and thermostat and flush cooling system so I'll already be in there anyhow. Has any one had any problems with their pump wearing out at under 50k.
Thanks for any advise.

On mine the seals started to leak at around 40K but it was also 20 years old and had not been ridden alot for the last couple of years prior to me buying it. Like Don E. stated the replacement parts cost more than a new unit and I personally would not attempt to rebuild a 23 year old pump.

Roy

[godzilla]

Mine started dripping antifreeze around 90K, back in 2003.

[tv guy]

I had to replace mine at 120K on my (now sold) RS and so far the RT with about 80K is doing OK.

My coolant on both bikes has been maintained (changed every other year) and it gets ridden year round maybe the pumps (like batteries) do better with usage?

I have great confidence ( but this doesn't make me brighter than average:laugh ) in the K series bikes if you have no drips, the coolant is clean and have been riding regularly with no issues I'd ride.

An 8K trip sounds fun where you going?

[bprigge]

Yes, I was wondering that too. Would your 8K ride include a stop at Gillette?

Bruce

[squishband]

No , I'm not leaving untill next year in April or May, I'm gonna take about a month and just ride all the away west and then all the way east,probably alot of north and south along the way.

[byker]

Replaced pump on my 87 K100RS at 125,000 kilometers.

[smilingcouple]

I have a 1985 K100, waterpump still strong and water tight at 93K. I do change the radiator fluid every 2 years.