About 6 months ago I had a problem with my '01 'Shee overheating on occasion. After changing several parts- New Toomey Radiator, Noss Cool Head, changed to Engine Ice- I found the real cause of the problem.
The plastic driven gear on the water pump was stripped out-still would turn sometimes because the plastic was melted to the shaft. I ordered an aluminum impeller from Vito's & replaced the bearing, seal, pin & gear also.
Everything was fine until this past weekend. I was riding it wide open in fifth-just getting ready to hit 6th- when the motor seized.
Upon teardown I discovered lower ring on left side piston seized, upper ring & both rings on right side ok. No problems with jetting- looked to be cooling issue again.
Took the cover off & guess what? Goddamn f???ing gear stripped again!!
Anyone ever had this happen? bearing was not seized, it spins freely. The only thing I can think of is that the impeller seized at the small end where it's supported by the engine case. It appears to get splash oiling from the spinning clutch assembly. Is that right? I'm pissed off right now & my first thoughts are to dump this friggin quad but surely the fix isn't that complicated.