Do 88+ water pump kits work on a 1986 kx500?

[Twosmoker86]

I recently bought an 1986 KX500 and I love it, while on my second ride I noticed my oil looked milky, I checked my coolant and it was low. After searching I found out it's more then likely the water pump seal, I Downloaded the kx pdf and tried to see if the 88+ parts will work on the 86 also checked around online and I seem to be stumped. Does anyone have any info on if the water pump seal kit / impeller are interchangeable for that year? Probably a stupid question, but I don't want to order an 88+ kit and have it not fit. If anyone has any info on this it would be highly appreciated, I miss ripping on the old 500 

[umberto]

Hi Twosmoker86, welcome to the site.  The water cooled 500 engines fall in four categories: 85, 86-87, 88, and 89 and up.  The 85 is the first water cooled, and does not have the KIPS.  The 86-87 are similar to the 88 on the top, but very different on the bottom.  The 88 is a one year wonder that is similar to the 86-87 on top, but more like the 89 and up on the bottom.  There were a few changes to the motor after 89, but those parts are interchangeable with the earlier models.  While I have not tried to swap a water pump seal, I would think that the amount of difference between the 86-87 and 88 and up bottom ends would make that seal different.  Rocky Mountain ATVMC shows that they currently have ten OEM Kawasaki 86 water pump seals in stock.  I would recommend using the OEM parts where still available.  It's also a good idea to replace the bearings as well, as long as you have the clutch cover off anyway.  Post some pics of your bike if you get a chance.  We love to see what everyone is riding!

[Twosmoker86]

Thanks for the insight I really appreciate it. Defiantly gonna be sticking with this forum, found exactly what I needed and got heaps of information. Here's a pic of the old beast next to a Yamaha xt350 that needs a ton of work that I got on a trade, not really sure when I'm gonna get to that I have too much fun on the two stroke, also have a trx250r in storage that's a blast but can't touch the 500. Seriously thank you I was scouring every source for info and that site has it all. I'll post pics of the job once the parts come in!

[umberto]

You’re welcome. All the things I know about the kx 500 I learned on this site. There are so many knowledgeable people on this site who are gracious enough to share their knowledge and time.  Keep us posted on your progress.

[Twosmoker86]

Will do I just placed an order on the gaskets both bearings and the seal. Hopefully the impeller and gear spur are in good enough shape. I don't mean to open a can of worms but since I drained the oil and I know I'm going to have to flush it a few times do I go with 10-30/40 as the Manuel says or run the gearsaver or atf type f or a mix of the two? Seems like a highly debated topic but I'm wondering what you run.

[umberto]

Will do I just placed an order on the gaskets both bearings and the seal. Hopefully the impeller and gear spur are in good enough shape. I don't mean to open a can of worms but since I drained the oil and I know I'm going to have to flush it a few times do I go with 10-30/40 as the Manuel says or run the gearsaver or atf type f or a mix of the two? Seems like a highly debated topic but I'm wondering what you run.

That will get a passionate discussion going.     I run the recommended oil, but I'm sure the ATF and gearsaver guys will check in with their opinions too...