SX water pump problem
Discussion
If you've got an SX read on - looks like a small design problem.
The idler pulley is on a bracket attached to the front of the block through one of the water pump bolts. It seems that the water pump wasn't designed to handle this sort of thing (surprise surprise) and the stress and vibration has caused it to crack through.
You can see a hairline crack in the piccie below:
Unforunately the crack extends into the water and it now leaks while the engine is running. If I replace the water pump it'll probably just happen again so I think it needs reinforcing by welding up around it, and building up more aly. Time to learn aluminium welding!
The idler pulley is on a bracket attached to the front of the block through one of the water pump bolts. It seems that the water pump wasn't designed to handle this sort of thing (surprise surprise) and the stress and vibration has caused it to crack through.
You can see a hairline crack in the piccie below:
Unforunately the crack extends into the water and it now leaks while the engine is running. If I replace the water pump it'll probably just happen again so I think it needs reinforcing by welding up around it, and building up more aly. Time to learn aluminium welding!
Don't know if this will work or not but its an idea to throw out there...
Drill out and bush the offending bolt hole in the water pump casting.
The size of the bush needs to be small enough to not compromise the casting but large enough to transfer the forces from the bolt through to the block.
Its more than likely that there isn't enough meat on the casting to fit a large enough bush to do the job.
Another idea is to fabricate a bracket which picks up on a different bolt hole.
Stepping back a bit... you could ask how long the original design took to fail? If you were to buy one or two water pumps it could see you through your tour of duty.
Drill out and bush the offending bolt hole in the water pump casting.
The size of the bush needs to be small enough to not compromise the casting but large enough to transfer the forces from the bolt through to the block.
Its more than likely that there isn't enough meat on the casting to fit a large enough bush to do the job.
Another idea is to fabricate a bracket which picks up on a different bolt hole.
Stepping back a bit... you could ask how long the original design took to fail? If you were to buy one or two water pumps it could see you through your tour of duty.
leorest said:
Another idea is to fabricate a bracket which picks up on a different bolt hole.
Barkychoc said:
Instead of that thick washer / spacer under the bolthead could you make a piece of metal to pick up the other water pump mounting bolt as well to beef up the mounting.
These two variations on a theme sound best.Gassing Station | Wedges | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff