Polaris Tech Tip: How to Inspect Your Polaris UTV/ATV Water Pump Weep Hole

Tech Tip: How to Inspect Your Polaris UTV/ATV Water Pump Weep Hole

If you've noticed a small puddle of blue or green fluid under your machine after a ride, your water pump might be trying to tell you something. Every Polaris ProStar engine features a weep hole—a small drainage port designed to alert you before a minor seal leak becomes a major engine failure.

What is the Weep Hole?

The weep hole is located on the bottom or side of the water pump housing. Its primary job is to provide an exit path for fluids that bypass the internal seals. There are two main seals inside your pump: the mechanical water seal and the oil seal.

• Coolant Leaking: If you see coolant (usually blue or green) dripping from the hole, your mechanical seal has failed.
• Oil Leaking: If you see engine oil dripping, the internal oil seal is compromised.

Typical location of a Polaris water pump weep hole near the bottom of the housing.

How to Perform the Inspection

• Clean the Area: Use a rag and some brake cleaner to wipe away any old mud or trail debris from the water pump housing.
• Dry Run: Start the engine and let it reach operating temperature. Observe the weep hole area while the engine is running.

• The "Q-Tip" Test: If you can't see clearly, swipe a clean cotton swab across the hole. Any trace of bright-colored fluid indicates a seal that needs immediate replacement.

When to Replace vs. Rebuild

While a Polaris Water Pump Rebuild Kit is cost-effective for experienced mechanics, replacing the entire pump assembly is often the faster, more reliable "plug-and-play" solution to ensure your housing hasn't been scored by a failing impeller.

Don't wait until you're overheating on the trail. Check your weep hole today and keep your Polaris running at peak performance!

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