What's it for? Hole in top of water pump
 

Went out today with a friend on his Baja and when we stopped to check things the engine compartment and it was soaked and we saw water shooting out of a hale in the top of the nose of the water pump. What is this hole for? Lubrication? Is there a leaking seal or worn shaft bushing? THanks.

It's called a weep hole. It's there to give you early notice that something is starting to go bad with your water pump and it's time to change it before further damage occurs .

cobra marty,
Bo Knows is correct, it is a weep hole that lets you know the front seal has failed and water is now able to get to the bearing. I have run over a year with water weeping out of the hole. Not a greet idea to do this but I got fed up replacing them. My water pressure is what was destroying my pumps. I hope to have it worked out by next weekend.

I'm curious what motor your friend is running and what kind of water pressure?

Dan

Actually it is a venting hole. As the waterpump shaft spins it creates internal air pressure. If the hole wasn't there the pressure would blow the seals on the shaft and it would leak. Unfortunely when the seals do start to leak, the water will escape through the hole. TThis tells you that it is now the time to change the pump. (weep Hole) If you ignore this first warning and continue to operate the pump, You run the risk of the shaft siezing and doing serious damage to the motor or boat.:) :) :)

Thanks guys. It's a 300 hour 454 MPI 310HP. Can that seal be replaced or does the whole water pump need replacing?

Hey Marty - I've never seen one that could have just the bearing replaced. I believe the shaft and impeller is press fit at the factory so the pump must be replaced as a unit.

How's your project coming?