Need Troubleshooting help - 94 ZX-11 : Kawasaki ZX Forums: Kawasaki Ninja Forum

ArizonaZX11 · 07-08-2008, 09:19 AM

So basically I’ll try to sum this up quickly…hopefully someone can offer some advice:
I have a 94 ZX-11 with 21,000 miles
I checked my coolant a week ago, and saw a small oily film on the top of the coolant and immediately thought “blown headgasket”. I had an inspection done at a shop, and they said it was the waterpump. The compression is good on all cylinders, and there is no smoke coming from the exhaust. Lately, the last two times I have ridden it, the choke seems to be working poorly. When I use it to warm the bike up, it normally kills the bike.

Anyone have any advice? I’m going to pull the pump to check it out myself. I’m wondering about the choke though……

Thanks for any help

dirty13south · 07-08-2008, 09:56 AM

If it's hot out side you don't need the choke. And you don't have to pull the water pump to check it. just take the cap off the radiatior (while cool) Then start the bike and slowly work up the RPM's if the water's moveing the pump is fine.

In case you don't know radiatior fluid Isn't just for cooling it's also a lubricant that needs to be changed just like any other. The film you saw was problably the antifreeze brakeing down. It's probalaby time to flush it and refill

ArizonaZX11 · 07-08-2008, 12:08 PM

well it seems to idle somewhat poorly. Cold or warm it idles at just above 1000 rpm. What should I expect for normal?

ninja11zx · 07-08-2008, 03:43 PM

inner seal can go bad and leak oil into the waterpump. there is a small weep hole on the bottom of the pump. if the pump is bad it will leak from this hole.

ArizonaZX11 · 07-08-2008, 04:28 PM

specifically what inner seal are you referring to? inside the engine case or a seal in the pump? Im pretty sure my valve seals may be leaking a bit, not sure if that is contributing to this problem

dirty13south · 07-08-2008, 09:09 PM

idle speed should be around 1100

ArizonaZX11 · 07-09-2008, 09:43 AM

well, idles seems about that. I checked the coolant while the engine was running as suggested, and the coolant is swirling around a bit. I’m not sure how turbulent the coolant is suppose to be moving. It really does appear to be oil, not old coolant. I’ll have to do some more checks to see if the pump really is bad

ninja11zx · 07-09-2008, 07:37 PM

seal in the pump.

ArizonaZX11 · 07-10-2008, 07:07 AM

Is there anyway to just replace that seal or does the entire pump have to be replaced?

ArizonaZX11 · 07-11-2008, 07:22 AM

So, basically I have gotten a good look at the cooling system. Pulled the pump off…it was all corroded and there was oil seeping out of the weep hole. I will be buying a new pump and hoses. Hopefully a good flush will take care of the rest. All the hoses were pretty nasty on the inside; lots of dirt and corrosion. I think I’ll also get the radiator cleaned out. Do I just need to purchase the pump, or is there an extra seal I’ll need to purchase also? Thanks for everyone’s help

danielfjones · 07-11-2008, 09:53 AM

The oring that is on the outside of the pump .

ninja11zx · 07-12-2008, 08:20 PM

I have good pumps if you need one.