13 Vaquero Water Pump Weep Hole Leak

[_Brian_]

Originally Posted by Delna

I had the same issue with my 2013 Voyager last year. I took it in for the 600 mile service and was told my water pump had a minor leak and was replaced under warranty. I've been checking it on a regular basis over the last year and the replacement pump seems to be leak free.

Thanks Delna...Ill be seeing the dealer next week for the 600 mile service and to document the current problems.

[H8BUGZ]

Brian, My weep hole is not plugged and the reserve tank has not moved in the last 3800 miles and I did nothing. As a retired auto technician, I obsessed with everything when the ride was new. As time goes by you won't even remember these little things. My biggest deal was to eliminate rider felt heat. It took me almost 5K miles to make it "mine" and get it comfortable. Backrest, risers, footpegs, gps, bag liners-the list goes on and on. Thought I would never get done. It's a labor of love. Good luck with your new ride! I would be happy to share my experiences. H8BUGZ

[_Brian_]

Originally Posted by H8BUGZ

Brian, My weep hole is not plugged and the reserve tank has not moved in the last 3800 miles and I did nothing. As a retired auto technician, I obsessed with everything when the ride was new. As time goes by you won't even remember these little things. My biggest deal was to eliminate rider felt heat. It took me almost 5K miles to make it "mine" and get it comfortable. Backrest, risers, footpegs, gps, bag liners-the list goes on and on. Thought I would never get done. It's a labor of love. Good luck with your new ride! I would be happy to share my experiences. H8BUGZ

Thanks for giving me some much needed confidence in this bike. Iv'e been in avaition maintence for 15 years now and know what you mean by obsessing over everything.

[_Brian_]

Just picked the bike up from the dealer after letting them know of the water pump leak and belt fraying. To my surprise they said the leak is just residual and is normal and the belt rubbing is also normal including the fraying. I explained to the tech that at very slow speeds with clutch pulled in i can tell exactly where in the rotation the belt is rubbing on the front pulley by the noise and vibration it puts off. I was told with time the belt will "wear in". I'm guessing he meant the belt will stop rubbing after the side is frayed off . Looks like its time to find another dealer

[captj3]

Originally Posted by _Brian_

Just picked the bike up from the dealer after letting them know of the water pump leak and belt fraying. To my surprise they said the leak is just residual and is normal and the belt rubbing is also normal including the fraying. I explained to the tech that at very slow speeds with clutch pulled in i can tell exactly where in the rotation the belt is rubbing on the front pulley by the noise and vibration it puts off. I was told with time the belt will "wear in". I'm guessing he meant the belt will stop rubbing after the side is frayed off . Looks like its time to find another dealer

Wow, definitely find another dealer. I bet the tech wouldn't ride a bike like that. I would also let Kawasaki know that they diagnosed a fraying belt as normal and see what they say just for shits and giggles.

[_Brian_]

When I got the bike home I pulled the pulley cover off to see where the belt was rubbing since I didn't trust the tech. There was an 1/8 in clearance between the outer edge of the front sprocket and belt and after rotating the wheel I couldn't find any place it was rubbing. The alignment marks are spot on so a little stumped. When I set on the bike I know the belt tension gets a little tighter so the next step is loosening it up just a tad.

[ponch]

See the linked PDF. It's from the Voyager shop manual, which should be a lot like the Vaquero in this regard.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Byc...it?usp=sharing

[_Brian_]

Thanks ponch....already have the manual.

[ponch]

Originally Posted by _Brian_

Thanks ponch....already have the manual.

Fraying isn't normal…The dealer should know this.

[_Brian_]

Originally Posted by ponch

Fraying isn't normal…The dealer should know this.

I'm guessing this is what they are going off of since the belt is not worn past the nylon fabric. Either way, I'm sending kawasaki the pics and a brief description so hopefully i will hear back soon.

[ponch]

Basically it says to keep an eye on it because it's wear/damage. How many miles does the bike have on it?

[_Brian_]

Currently 800 miles but 620 when it was at dealer....I know the fraying is not normal. Currently own another belt drive and others in the past but this is just excessive. Just makes me pissed the dealer makes it sound like its nothing. I've done all the maintenance on my previous and current bikes including trans and engine rebuilds and have a little knowledge in the mechanical field as an aircraft mechanic of 16 years. Just hate when dealers talk to you like you don't have common sense.