anti-freeze leak on dk 45

[kiotimiike]

I've had my Dk45 since last june and have had several antifreeze leaks that just were loose clamps but now have one that looks like it's on top of the water pump and it's not an easy spot to get to. Has anyone ever had this issue ?

 

[Coyote machine]

Can you shoot us a pic of the area you're referring to?
When do you notice the leak? Is it after she's up to temperature? Is the tractor still under warranty?

 

[kiotimiike]

The tractor is only 9 months old so it is under warranty. I noticed it after It was parked in the garage over night. I will take a pic but it's a hard place to get to unless you take off the overflow tank and the breather pipe.

 

[ritcheyvs]

Could be several things which are not fun to fix. If it's still under warranty, let your dealer fix it.

Best case, is something above the pump is leaking (or blowing onto the pump). Next best case, you have a lose water pump screw, the gasket is leaking, and a quarter turn of the screw will fix it. More likely case, the water pump shaft seal is leaking and the coolant is coming out the weep hole. It looks like you can buy just this seal (Item #5) but you can also get the whole pump:

OEM Parts

Replacing the seal requires removing the water pump and maybe special tools to remove and replace the seal (in most cars these days people just replace the whole pump). Then you re-install with a new gasket. This job is fraught with peril because screws can seize or break and cleaning off the old gasket is always a mess. Not to mention horrible access and the need to remove fan, possibly the radiator, and maybe the loader.

Hopefully you are still under warranty.

 

[Coyote machine]

Could be several things which are not fun to fix. If it's still under warranty, let your dealer fix it.

Best case, is something above the pump is leaking (or blowing onto the pump). Next best case, you have a lose water pump screw, the gasket is leaking, and a quarter turn of the screw will fix it. More likely case, the water pump shaft seal is leaking and the coolant is coming out the weep hole. It looks like you can buy just this seal (Item #5) but you can also get the whole pump:

OEM Parts

Replacing the seal requires removing the water pump and maybe special tools to remove and replace the seal (in most cars these days people just replace the whole pump). Then you re-install with a new gasket. This job is fraught with peril because screws can seize or break and cleaning off the old gasket is always a mess. Not to mention horrible access and the need to remove fan, possibly the radiator, and maybe the loader.

Hopefully you are still under warranty.

Refer to post from OP just before yours- states warranty condition.....:confused2:

 

[ritcheyvs]

Glad you have warranty coverage.

FYI, for diagnosing coolant leaks, pressure testers are great. You can usually borrow these (free with deposit) from consumer car parts places (like AutoZone). They attach in place of the radiator cap and let you pressurize the cooling system with air using a hand pump. Gross leaks are immediately visible even when cold. Small leaks can be verified (if not located) by watching the pressure decay over several minutes or hours. This type of test may be worthwhile in your case (after repair) to be sure the dealer really fixed the right thing. Also, you may want to use it to confirm that the leak is not something trivial that you can fix yourself in minutes (like a lose clamp).