While at a local bike shop recently watching Boony sell his sole (didnt get much for it as it was pretty well flogged) the shop owner was dealing with a bloke who had stuffed his 2000 model drz after the oil pump gear had failed and the motor had seized as a result. The shop owner/ mechanic mentioned he had seen a few such cases recently and the cause was the oil pump gear which is the only gear apart from the water pump that is plastic. The plastic gear cooks in the oil over time and deteriates becoming brittle and then it fails.
As I had my bike pulled down for a full service I figured Id check as while my bikes an 09 model it has been getting plenty of use. Sure enough the old oil pump drive gear was a similar hue to a burnt chip and looked as old as me mum. Bought a new one for $20 and its bright white and shiny in appearance.
I’m no mechanic but for the time to pull the case off and fit a new cheap part I reckon its safer than risking a fialure that could cost big bucks.
