L2850 water pump leak

[John Eaton]

Hi all I'm new to the forums, I own an l2850 which I've just noticed is leaking water from the hole on the shaft casing between the two ridges on the image (its perpendicular to all the mounting bolt holes). Does anyone know what this hole is for? should there be a bolt in there which has fallen out?
Thanks Paul

 

[Roadworthy]

It's called a weep hole and no bolt goes there. Consider it notification that you're approaching time to replace the water pump.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Change it now, the seals are shot.

 

[John Eaton]

Thanks Roadworthy and Wolfman that information's not even in the service manual!!
I've had the tractor 1 year and its always overheated if i use it for more than an hour, i'm guseing if my water pump was on its way out this would have contributed, any thoughts on wether i should have a look at the thermostat aswell, and would you guys recomend getting a whole new pump asembly or replacing the seals on the existing one with a kit?

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

New water pump,
New T stat,
and gaskets for both!

 

[GeoHorn]

And of course, new Prestone (or other major brand) ethylene-glycol anti-freeze.

 

[John Eaton]

Thanks Guys i've ordered them and bizarley they're cheaper shiped all the way from the US than buying them in my native UK!!