fbpx

 

Howdy, first post here
Rotax 912 uls has sprouted a leak at one of the bent sockets, or hose attachment inserts, into the water pump. See attached photo. The leak is minor but getting slightly worse with flight time. Engine has approx. 170 hours. Been sitting for past 3 years in heated hangar.

Will be changing out radiator soon, so will have coolant system drained.

Any ideas on how to slow, or stop, this leak without disassembly?

thanks and looking forward to much learning here
912ulsleak1_2018-11-08.JPG (You do not have access to download this file.)
  • Re: elbow into water pump leak

    by » 5 years ago


    Are you sure it is not leaking from the weep hole on the water pump? I think I see a coolant stain on the bottom of the water pump.

  • Re: elbow into water pump leak

    by » 5 years ago


    I thought the same thing. nope. On the back side of the elbow in the photo I can definitely see the coolant seeping out. Could not get a good photo of that. I can also clean the area, come back next day w a clean q-tip and dab around the elbow and will pick up coolant seeping from around the insert area. None around the weep hole.

    When I change out the radiator next week I plan on cleaning the area w gentle solvent like alcohol. Then blow dry the area and drizzle threadlock around the housing-elbow junction in hopes that it will seep IN and fill the void.

    Again, the leak is minor at this time. Let me know what you think. Thanks

  • Re: elbow into water pump leak

    by » 5 years ago


    If it's just an ooze you can probably live with it without any issues. If it's more of a steady drip or constant leak then it should be repaired. If it is just an ooze then you'll have to keep a constant eye on it so it doesn't become a steady leak. It will probably get worse over time. Even an ooze drives me nuts so I repair everything.

    Roger Lee
    LSRM-A & Rotax Instructor & Rotax IRC
    Tucson, AZ Ryan Airfield (KRYN)
    520-349-7056 Cell


  • Re: elbow into water pump leak

    by » 5 years ago


    Yep will probably live w it. The Rotax Minute on coolant elbows provided great intel into the elbow assembly. Now that I know it is threaded in place I understand the situation better.

    Thank you

  • Re: elbow into water pump leak

    by » 5 years ago


    Is it possibly coming from the elbow / hose connection? It is fairly common for coolant seepage to occur from under the hose, with temperature changes , when worm gear type clamps are used on the hose. Spring constant tension type hose clamps help with coolant seepage under the hose when the seasonal temperature changes .

You do not have permissions to reply to this topic.