Water Pump

[Matt7c]

In a post I made a few weeks ago, I commented that my Twinc was fitted with a later type water pump that could be removed without having to dismantle half the engine. A few people commented that they had never heard of such a thing. Well, I thought you might be interested to know that this weekend, I spoke to the PO who told me that about 20 years ago, he bought a new timing chain chest casting with a revised water pump layout. The water pump is actually that from a Sierra of the day (about 20 years ago) and the new casting allows the pump to be withdrawn from the outside of the engine without removing anything else.

I asked him were he got the casting, but the only thing he could recall was that he got from the man who cast it, somewhere in Sheffield. Shame he can't recall the details, it seems like a good idea.

Matt

[Foxie]

Matt,

This set up is available from Burtons or QED. Its about ?200. New front plate back plate and removable pump unit.

Sean Murray

[mikefromengland]

the front cover alone is about 200 punds +vat.

[elans3]

Hi, I was at the Historic Motorsport show at Stoneleigh a fortnight ago, and the guys From THE LOTUS CORTINA CENTRE in Crewkerne, Somerset had one on their stand. ?380 + vat for theirs. V. Expensive, but looked a very professional job, much better casting than the earlier ones.
Steve

[gjz30075]

I've got the one from the Lotus Cortina Spares Centre and the casting is superb. The fit is perfect and nothing's leaked in four years. I only regret not buying a spare pump to keep down time to a minimum.

[poiuyt]

Dave Bean, in California, has a similar upgrade. The cost, after a $75 credit for returning the original front case, was about $600 plus shipping. I had this installed in my S4 and -- so far -- no trouble.

Steve B
1969 S4

Long Island, New York

[Sarah Ryan]

I f you are looking for a very professional removable water pump, look up "The Elan Factory" in Melbourne Australia. With the exchange rate it proves very inexpensive.

[72plus2]

I got a conversion kit from Dave Bean last year. They are now more than $600 USD, and you don't get a credit for returning the old cover and back plate! Expensive proposition, but if you consider that 20,000 miles down the road you could be looking at replacing the stock item it makes sense as an investment for the future.

Chris

[john.p.clegg]

I picked up one a few years ago "AKS" is cast in the cover,it's a boon,the alternator mounting lug is a lot meatier also.
Just wish i had a spare module for it
John

[Matt7c]

My water pump doesn't have the original 2-blade fan fitted, although there is an after-market electric fan in front of the rad. Is there any particular reason why the engine is better with, or without, the water pump fan? I recently acquired one for a few sheckels, but should I bother fitting it?

[type36lotus]

I do not know from experience, but I have read here and there that leaving the fan off helps prolong the life of the water pump. They are probably not balanced well and that additional vibration could possibly influence their life. I left mine off as I didn't feel that feeble two bladed metal fan added anything after the hurricane force of the electric fan.

[Matt7c]

Thanks, Mike - seems to make sense. I'll leave it off.

[pereirac]

I have a copy of a letter suggesting that the quality of the AKS fronts are not as 'good' as they should be??

[mikefromengland]

a new water pump should last at least 50000 miles.the originals are the best and at about 30 pounds the cheapest.if you tighten the fan belt too much it wont last this is where everyone goes wrong .do not over tighten the fan belt.on the europa there was no ajustment.lotus done this to stop over tightening when having a service.good luck regards mike

[SADLOTUS]

I had my AKS front cover and pump on for ten years plus with no problems, some years a lot of miles, some not. couldn't find a replacement module although I believe the Pinto water pump bits were supposed to fit. As said above Burtons do a similar idea. Chickened out and had QED refurb my original.
Any help? -or just adding to the confusion