Refitting the coolant circulation pump on VP2003 .... any tips, please?

[NealB]

My coolant circulation pump has now been overhauled, with a spares kit from parts4engines.

I spent a couple of rather frustrating hours this afternoon, trying to refit it.

You might not be that surprised to hear that I'm having problems getting the copper pipes (8, 12 and 13 in the pic below) to sit firmly in their ports.

Any inside knowledge would be welcome.

eg is it better to push the pipes into their respective pump ports first, and then worry about connecting the other ends (to the block and heat exchanger), or the other way round?

eg Would you advocate using some sort of jointing compound to help the seal?

eg is it better to bolt the pump and its bracket to the block before trying to push in the pipes, or should I push in the pipes, and then fit the pump/ bracket?

To this non-engineer, the 'sprung' type of connection system seems as barmy as it is annoying.

 

[Bilgediver]

My coolant circulation pump has now been overhauled, with a spares kit from parts4engines.

is it better to push the pipes into their respective pump ports first, and then worry about connecting the other ends (to the block and heat exchanger), or the other way round?
Would you advocate using some sort of jointing compound to help the seal?

eg is it better to bolt the pump and its bracket to the block before trying to push in the pipes, or should I push in the pipes, and then fit the pump/ bracket?

To this non-engineer, the 'sprung' type of connection system seems as barmy as it is annoying.

View attachment 138120

No jointing compound..

I would plug 12 and 13 into the pump as I offered it up to the engine and slip the other ends into place as the pump came into position. Unless you have distorted the pipes during your attempts they should sit firmly in their correct locations. Don't forget that BOTH 12 and 13 require the forked clamps and bolts to be fitted at the end furthest from the pump. They will not move once the clamps are in place. Pipe 8 can be slipped into the pump as it comes into position.

If you are having to force the pipes then you are doing it back to front . It is not engineering. It is Chinese puzzling .

If 12 and 13 do not appear to fit comfortably then they have been distorted by the use of undue force at some point so corrective action might be required for them to sit in place comfortably. ie bent back to the correct form.

 

[NealB]

Many thanks for your wise counsel!

When I took the pump off, everything came apart very easily, so no bending at that stage.

Yesterday afternoon, I was trying to be exquisitely careful and gentle: so, hopefully, no bending damage done then either.

My secret plan, for today, is to take it by surprise: I'll take Joscelyn with me, 'cos she absolutely loves Chinese puzzles.

Thanks again!

 

[Bilgediver]

My secret plan, for today, is to take it by surprise: I'll take Joscelyn with me, 'cos she absolutely loves Chinese puzzles.

Thanks again!

That is a good plan of attack. No permanent damage is done usually by a bit of undue force however it does need to be rectified to get the pipes to sit correctly or they may work free once the engine is running. usually the straight end is fitted first with the bent end being fitted as the assembly goes into place. It can get a bit more complicated when the whole system is in bits

If you plug 12 and 13 into the engine before fitting the pump then the other ends must be sitting close to the position they will be when the pump is installed if they do not then try and correct this before starting the installation of the pump.

 

[Frankklose]

You have to insert pipes 12 and 13 into the pump than pipe 8. Watch out for the seals on top of the engine the seal of pipe 13 is a different type.

 

[NealB]

You have to insert pipes 12 and 13 into the pump than pipe 8. Watch out for the seals on top of the engine the seal of pipe 13 is a different type.

Thank you, Frankklose.

With Joscelyn's expert help, I got the pump installed and connected up this morning.

I don't want to tempt fate, but pipes 12 and 13 seemed secure.

Pipe 8 looks unconvincing to my eye, but doesn't seem to leak (yet!).

The rubber hose, which fits onto the spigot 21, was weeping when I filled the system (water only at the moment), but seemed ok after a little bit of 'fettling' with the hose and its jubilee clip.

I haven't run the engine yet, but may go back this evening to see if the level has dropped. If it hasn't, I'll fire her up and see how it goes.

It will be a much-needed dream come true if it stays dry!

If it doesn't, I may need to find a local VP 2000 series 'expert': I've got better things to do!