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Water Pump Options

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TomMull

TomMull

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As most of you know, water pump replacement on the twin cam lotus engines is an engine out big deal.
Since my engine is out now due to chassis replacement I did a bit of a tear down and inspection on it. I completely rebuilt the head and did rings and bearings on the bottom end. This would seem a good time to change the water pump.
There are several options including a variety of pumps that do not require engine removal to change in the future. As attractive as that option is, all are costly and none seem to have stellar reviews.
Any thoughts?

Tom
 
Not that it matters much now, but I have done a number of those pump R&R's with engine in situ, using the OEM "kits". Both in Elans and +2's. Usually the head left in place, oil pan dropped down. Even did a T/C Europa one from underneath, on a lift. All have limited room to work, but it was "do-able" and no issues later. As for the alternative ones, no experience.
 
Good to know, particularly since I have a kit for the original pump that just arrived from RDENT. Unfamiliar territory for me and not too confident. So far have the outer flange removed and now making up a piece to press out the shaft. Thanks for the reply.
 
Next question: Both the FSM and Miles Wilkins mention using a new "slinger". My pump as well as the new kit seem lack same. Was that slinger eliminated at some point?

Tom
 
My copy of Wilkins' book intimates the slinger was discontinued after 1985. I've a NOS kit here someplace but not found it easily yet. ISTR it was ordered after '85, tho. If found, I'll check it for that slinger. If you assemble the thing with the approximate clearances, sans slinger (and that wire "clip" in proper place), you should be fine. Impeller-to-housing clearance is IMHO the most important thing. Another recollection is that "kit" had a Ford part number. I'll hunt thru my notes out of curiosity.

A funny aside: One of my copies (early) of the Elan Workshop Manual has a note printed in red, glued over "Section E-23 --To Remove" and saying the first step to R&R the pump is to remove the head. Did that ONCE, on my own Elan. After that, always did it with head in place (only removed the cam cover), whether my own cars or clients' ones. Just be sure to get all the cover fasteners out. Those pump seals only last about 40K miles, it just seemed a waste of time & money to yank a head every time.
 
FWIW, I found my copy of the Lotus Elan parts catalog, noted for the slinger is a Ford part number "105 E 8550". Highly doubt any such thing still exists as an inventory number unless you could find an OLD Ford parts guy who was familiar with Anglia and Cortina 105-series engines!
 
Thanks for the informed comments.
My first thought is to put it together sans slinger, as it came apart. Am I wrong?
There is at least one NOS available, at some expense but is it necessary? It has apparently been missing on my engine for some time.
Tom
 
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