Electric chargecooler pump

[dbebb55]

Hi kids: I installed an electric chargecooler pump(Rule 700gph) a month ago. I found today it burned up, due to running dry. I have to add coolant now and then which I have neglected lately. Before installing a new one, wouldn't it make sense to put it much lower in the system, below the reservoir. Most installations show it to the right of the chargecooler above the reservoir. Seem like down in the wheel whell would be a better place. Any thoughts?????

[danny tattersall]

You' re right about putting it a bit lower than the reservoir. Whether it needs to be as low down as the wheel well is debatable though. I think I would be concentrating my efforts on finding out where the coolant is going to first. Otherwise, you will probably find yourself having to replace the pump again before too long.

Was it effective when it was working? I replaced the impeller on mine but at the time I was contemplating fitting an electric pump.

Cheers,

Danny.

[Muck Savage]

You're right, lower is better. But if the system is not leaking it's in a more serviceable area and it's easier to install without adding extra cooling line. Plus it works just as good. I used to check my chargecooler level more often than the main coolant, can't stand the idea of loosing any hp

michael

ex 1995 S4
2000 111s

[britten_mark]

danny tattersall said:

Was it effective when it was working? I replaced the impeller on mine but at the time I was contemplating fitting an electric pump.

Mine is OK at present (26000 miles) but if what people say is right it's on borrowed time! I was researching this and was going to rebuild the standard pump, but have now decided "when it happens" I will go the electric route.

The variables seem to be;
1. Who makes the neatest, quietest, most efficient & reliable pump
2. Where the hell do you put it to look tidy

I don't like the look of the top-mount most seem to be done like; will try for a bulkhead or lowdown position when the time comes.

www.andywhittaker.com/lotus/electricchargecoolerpump.htm

www.michaelsmotorsports.com/electricchargecooler.htm

http://home.netcom.com/~wceng/esprit/pump.html

All use different pumps at vastly different prices, (Andy Whittaker's recommendation seems cheapest out of these 3) so is it fair to assume you can use most any water pump?????

[Muck Savage]

The things I would look for in a pump are:
1. Rated for high temperatures, i.e. automotive cooling applications
2. Flow rate- most seem to offer about 4GPM
3. Service life. Some manafacturers give difference expected lifespan.

Mine is the one pictured on the Michaels Motorsports site. It's a bosch unit that is actually fitted on the Esprit V8 and is also OEM on most Mercedes. I have no personal experience of John Welch's one but have not heard any problems with it either and know he's also a top rate guy. I'd go with either, as I know Andy Whittaker has sold out and gone Audi on us

I used the vacuum pump in the rear bulkhead for 12v power. I preffered having the pump visible as it provides more to gawk at when you're providing Petrol Heads with a tour of your engine bay.

michael.

[dbebb55]

Danny, Mark, Michael: The pump worked fine...not noisey at all. You could just hear it running when ya turned the key, before the motor started. Not as loud as the fuel pump. The pump required coolent in it otherwise it would burn out. I found myself adding a jigger (shot glass) full once a week... without it, the pump, being the highest point in the system, would be dry.
Also, the pump looked crappy sitting on top ...friends mentioned what the cobbed on pump was for? Mounting it lower would keep it out of site. I did a nice installation, but it didn't look like it belonged there. I may go with the pump WC engineering sells...it looks smaller and more appropriate. Fast service from them also.
Thanks for the imput guys
Dave
90SE

[900T-R]

Not sure whether it's of any help, but the pump I'm using for the liquid/air IC system in my Saab is a Davies Craig EBP. It does the job, is designed for continuous running (design life 15,000 hrs) which means better cooling efficiency versus boost/temperature switched systems and easy install, it weighs but 260 grams and current draw is low (it comes with a 2A inline fuse). Cost me all of 110 euro.

[britten_mark]

dbebb55 said:

the pump looked crappy sitting on top ...friends mentioned what the cobbed on pump was for? Mounting it lower would keep it out of site. I did a nice installation, but it didn't look like it belonged there.

I know what you mean, the Esprit has the messiest plumbing af any car I've seen and the pump on top does not improve things; it looks a bitch to get at and replace. Sort of looking forward to replacing it and dreading it in equal measure, if you know what I mean.

[bojangles]

I did my pump and it was a pain for sure, but I think it is not really so hard if you do it a few times
I was more work putting together the tools and so on than the acutal work.
you need to remove the air cleaner cover, then the plug wires, then you have pretty good access.
get a good light in there. and have all the tools handy.. (and I chair at the back bumper to help climb in and out of the car). There are only 2 hose clamps and a 10 mm screw then the pump is in your hands.
I honestly think that the impeller change is no big deal. If you are near toronto Ill do it for a bottle of wine... the part was 26 bucks Canadian.. Cant beat that for a lotus repair...

My only injury was i wore the skin off my elbow on the air box cover ( silly crackle paint) This was only cause I dropped the freaking screw...

BRuce