water pump - do they fail?

[B_land]

Thanks for highlighting this thread today I've just checked the pump I got from RA September 2016 it's a Airtex AW9220 it shows the rounded corner. My cam belt change is due soon so I'll have to point this out to the garage when they fit it.

Cheers
B

[tomatcbl]

many thanks - still showing as available at rockauto

[HJ2]

this one looks like mine... So interference fit without modification mentioned earlier...
Please dry-fit completely before applying any sealant!

[madbilly]

So I can confirm water pumps fail - luckily mine failed on the driveway and is simply leaking fluid. But while contemplating the change - what else should be changed?
Alternator belt
PS belt
Cambelt
Tensioners

What else while everything is in bit.

What part numbers have people had success with - don't see a need to mill something.

You could also replace the crank pulley if the mood takes you. I've seen some "uprated" lightweight ones, but since they're metal-only I think they lack the damping effect of the standard one therefore harder on the timing belt. I'm not an expert and it's off-topic, so probably best to post separately if you want to know more about this. FYI I can't remember where I saw the uprated pulley but I think it was in the USA.

You could change the engine mounting bush since you'll probably have to remove this and it's probably getting a bit old now. However, every Elan is different and you may find you have to remove less... or perhaps more! (I hope the former). Anything you remove consider if you can change it for something better at the time.

[simonbuk]

Thanks for highlighting this thread today I've just checked the pump I got from RA September 2016 it's a Airtex AW9220 it shows the rounded corner. My cam belt change is due soon so I'll have to point this out to the garage when they fit it.

Cheers
B

So did you have any trouble fitting this ? Just received my order from RA and have also got this ptoduct, got slightly worried when it stated its origin of manyfacture - China.

To be honest this thread has left me a little confused as to which ones are right and which ones are wrong !!

[B_land]

Thanks for highlighting this thread today I've just checked the pump I got from RA September 2016 it's a Airtex AW9220 it shows the rounded corner. My cam belt change is due soon so I'll have to point this out to the garage when they fit it.

Cheers
B

So did you have any trouble fitting this ? Just received my order from RA and have also got this ptoduct, got slightly worried when it stated its origin of manyfacture - China.

To be honest this thread has left me a little confused as to which ones are right and which ones are wrong !!

Not fitted yet but am relying on previous comments where the Part No is correct and the corner will need to be adjusted.

[B_land]

Thanks for highlighting this thread today I've just checked the pump I got from RA September 2016 it's a Airtex AW9220 it shows the rounded corner. My cam belt change is due soon so I'll have to point this out to the garage when they fit it.

Cheers
B

So did you have any trouble fitting this ? Just received my order from RA and have also got this ptoduct, got slightly worried when it stated its origin of manyfacture - China.

To be honest this thread has left me a little confused as to which ones are right and which ones are wrong !!

Not fitted yet but am relying on previous comments where the Part No is correct and the corner will need to be adjusted.

Update - garage fitted the belt kit and pump today, they removed a very small amount from the casing to give more clearance but did say the pump may have fitted without the slight adjustment. MOT pass too

[madbilly]

My new water pump doesn't fit Most annoyingly this is the second one I've had, as reported here: viewtopic.php?f=33&t=27129

The problem with this one is also down at the bottom edge where the pump case has to fit behind the bottom inboard timing belt cover (or is it oil pump housing?), there's a slight bit which is proud of the casing which prevents lining the holes up:


I'll contact RockAuto and see if they'll accept a return, otherwise I suppose I'll have to get crafty with a file.

[HJ2]

What is the cost of return?
I would get the angle grinder ready

[madbilly]

Drat, I'm too late to request a return (30 days max). Looks like I'll be making some modifications...

[madbilly]

You need the Aw9220 for the round tooth pulley. The later Isuzus and GEOs use the square tooth version, so can you order one from Rock Auto UK for a better price?

This one (from the US) would cost you £15.00 + £14.17 postage. I can't log into Rock Auto UK any more since they now check where I am from and only show me the US site.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Engine-W ... 2448842819

I ordered a couple, so will know in a week if they are really AW9220 and NOT AW9221.

Hi BCN,
Did you get those pumps from Ebay? Are they round or square tooth? Any idea if they fit and don't require the bottom edge grinding off?
Cheers

[HJ2]

modification is 1 minute work.
list of tools: workbench, file, common sense.

[madbilly]

Yes. Now you put it like that I should just get on and fettle it and see what happens!

[HJ2]

I'm deep in the south of France again in august

[madbilly]

Great! I could have finished this by then
I filed off the corner of the pump case and on the block too, fits no problem now. Thanks for the nudge
Hopefully see you in August then.
Cheers,
Will

[madbilly]

I just thought: is it worth filling the coolant system to check for a leaking pump seal before putting everything else back on? I know that to do it properly I need to run the engine and bleed the radiator. I could put the auxiliary belts on, fill the system and run the engine, but it would still be sat on the jack which doesn't feel very sensible!

[madbilly]

What have I got to lose!

Funny how tea and a biscuit helps the thought process

[BertBeck]

Ive just read through this thread and, in summary what is the best water pump to buy? One that will fit without grinding or fettling.
Im doing the cam belt change so have gotta get all the other bits aswell.
Had a look on Rock auto and theyve only got one cambelt kit for sale atm, the USMW one which is classed as 'economy'.
SJ have all the parts for £256 including idler, tensioner plus alternator and power steering pump belt.
Here is a pic of the water pump they supply, does anyone know if this will fit without modifying it

[madbilly]

Hi BertBeck,

I can't tell you which ones won't require fettling but I can tell you the one I bought (see back for the ref) did not need much filing off the corner to get it to fit. Unless you buy one from a Lotus parts specialist there's always a chance it will need some fettling.

I hope that gives you some confidence to got ahead and order.

Cheers

[BertBeck]

Thanks !
Did you get your kit from Rock Auto?

Bert