912 water pump weeping

[Wheels]

My 912 F series is weeping at the water pump weep hole. Anyone ever change a water pump? I looked in the book and it calls for special tools and partial engine removal and partial electrical system dissasembly ... is it really that complex?
I know, I know, "never feel sorry for a guy with an airplane."

[DesertFox4]

Wheels, how much is it leaking. I had a 912 that would weep a drop or two every couple hours of operation. That went on for a couple years.

[Wheels]

Last summer It was leaking a few drips after shut down and never anything significant and then day before yesterday it became very noticable with water collecting on the exaust manifold and dripping on my floor. Probably about a half dollar sized puddle today. I figure its just going to get worse and I may as well tackle it while the engine is loose for the vibration isolator replacement.
I called Lockwood and ordered gasket, oil seal, water seal, etc. Lockwood rents the special tools so you don't really have to buy them. I am working with an A&P mechanic who I trust. Any advice?

[HighWing]

I had issues like that for a time years ago. I contacted one of the service centers and they suggested Bars Leaks added in the proper proportion to coolant volum. Never leaked again.
Lowell

[wwillyard]

I replaced the seal in my 912 several years ago at the first detection of a leak. I could not see any evidence of seal degradation upon removal. I suspect that there must have been some contamination on the seal mating surfaces. Installed new seal and switched to Evens water less coolant and have observed no leakage since. I can't say what caused the problem or if the choice of coolant is a factor either way. Should the problem show up again I would certainly try every solution I could before replacing the seal, removing the engine is no fun.

[Wheels]

I wish I could ignor the little leak, but that wouldn't be a realistic approach. Leaks get worse not better and this one is worse today than when I first discovered it, so there aren't any options other than to fix it.

There aren't any repair facilities for Rotax within hundreds of miles so there aren't any options except to fix it here.

The pump can't be accessed without pulling the engine so there aren't any options except to pull the engine,

The mechanic who I hired to do the job is letting me help so I am learning a lot before I go to the repair school next month.


The only option I really do have is ... cash or check.


dissassembly wasn't too tough. Lots of hoses, connectors and cables. The mess is minimal and the reward will be knowlege, mechanical integrity and safety. Aviators need all three in spades.

The engine is on the hoist tonight, I'll let you know how it goes when the special tools arrive.

[DBVZ]

I had issues like that for a time years ago. I contacted one of the service centers and they suggested Bars Leaks added in the proper proportion to coolant volum. Never leaked again.
Lowell

Sounds like he is a little past the time to have tried the Bars Leaks. That would still seem to be a valid first step. It may be worth more discussion of it, if anyone has any reservations about introducing Bars Leaks into an aircraft cooling system.