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dean dempster

I know this seems a bit technical but it's for good reason..

My 33 engine is overheating, I've had the gasket tested and changed the thermostat so now I feel that the water pump is'n't doing what it should be.

I'm considering upgrading to an ewp elec water pump but wanted to know what the performance is of the existing pump at high revs.

I know that the ewp pump is at about 80ltrs per min.

Can anyone help????

Ken McCarthy · Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 11:54 pm Post subject: Water Pump

See next post
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Ken McCarthy - 16V Sprint

Ken McCarthy · Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 11:57 pm Post subject: Water Pump

Dean

I don't know what the mechanical water pump rate is but I fitted a Davies Craig pump and it has been very successful. I also fitted the variable speed controller.

I completely removed the old pump and fitted a cover plate. The electric pump has to be mounted very low down so it is self bleeding (no air pockets). I removed the thermostat (cut open the housing and re-welded) then blocked off the bypass on top of the block. You also have to block off the heater return and make a special bend with spigot between the radiator and pump to bring the heater return back. After all that the heater won't work so you need a little booster pump for that (not yet fitted as we don't have much cold weather).

I also fitted a slightly lower temperature fan thermo switch and the whole thing runs about 5 to 10 degrees cooler and no overheating. I also set up a little circuit so that when the electric fans (I have 2) run on after the engine is switched off, the electric water pump runs too.

I'm not sure I would recommend all this in cold climates as it takes a bit longer to warm up. Maybe leaving the thermostat and bypass would be OK in that case with the pump running at constant speed.

If you want any more info, diagrams etc, let me know.

Regards
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Ken McCarthy - 16V Sprint

gritsop · Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 12:05 am Post subject:

Hi,

Ken this setup looks quite interesting! Could you post a couple of photos of the setup? They would be very enlightening.

Regards
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Thanassis Gritsopoulos
1991 Alfa 33 1.4 IE
2001 Alfa 147 1.6 Distinctive

http://www.alfa-restoration.co.uk
Parts Shop: www.alfa-restoration.co.uk/shop

Ken McCarthy · Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 12:20 am Post subject:

Thanassis

Pictures don't show much as it is buried in the engine bay. I have some diagrams and sketches that I will email to you. I have not yet worked out how to post pictures here so maybe someone else can do that.

Regards
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Ken McCarthy - 16V Sprint

dean dempster · Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 1:23 pm Post subject:

That sounds good but much work.. Well done though!!

I have managed to find an open thermostat and I'll try to find a shorter belt in order to bypass the water pump. Theres advice about removing the impellor from the water pump, do you know whether this is possible??

The whole system seems a good idea and there's a new davies craig pump out now with 110 lts per min but no temp control box available yet.

Thanks for the advice.

Bellamachinna · Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 4:17 pm Post subject:

dean dempster · Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 4:26 pm Post subject:

Hello,

I'm glad I'm not the only one - My 33 engine also runs at approx 100c and gets to 110c up hill.

I upgraded to kenlowe fans, had a gasket test and fitted a new thermostat but still no difference..

The Davies Craig pump seems a good system. If you try www.daviescraig.com.au
you can find a supplier.

Spyderman · Alfasud Joined: 04 Sep 2003 Posts: 48 Location: Hampshire