Another Water Pump?

Make sure the belt tension is correct, and try Nick's, it looks very cool!

 

Check and make sure the pulleys are aligned properly. If not you may be bending the shaft in the water pump with the tension.

 

Some water pumps are VERY finicky about how they're installed. Mine has a reputation of giving about 10k miles and that's it. Well mine lasted 50k miles; here's why:

1: Belt tension. Too much and you put a side load on the bearing. This will always lead to premature failure. Most people have no idea what the correct tension is, or how to measure it. If you can convert to a Glimmer drive, this will help (or is yours already?)

2: Pressure. Is your radiator cap the correct PSI for your car? I know some people use a higher pressure cap because of cooling issues; this can lead to premature water pump failure.

3: Crappy shop technique. My pump MUST be installed with the preceision of a NASA shuttle, and they fail too. It's really not a job for a careless mechanic, and I bet a Ferrari pump is no different. Everything must be perfectly aligned, and the impeller must be pressed on the shaft with a press. No banging on it! The bearing also must be pressed in. Shortcuts lead to premature failure.


Since you've gone through so many water pumps, I suggest you get a new mechanic, or if you've done them yourself, have a Ferrari mechanic do the next one.

Ken

 

I've had rebuilt ones fail after several years......I go with a new unit if available....

Then there's that billet one available......

Whatever, it keeps you in practice!

Definately use the recommended tension on the belts, I think there's even a tool.........

 

I'm in the process of getting my manifold fixed from corrosion from the antifreeze. In thinking about this corrosion, I figure that the water pump will be the next thing to go toes up. In looking at the cost of that issue, I found that Lyle Tanner sells them for $545 each. I don't know if that's a rebuild or new. Also, I don't know if that's a good price or not, but it seems about right.

A side note, I' having the hoses that lie under the manifold changed now so that I won't have to do them later. It's one of those "While you're at it" issues.

Bob Wassam

 

Make sure you get the updated, large bearing water pump; and take the advice of the other posts.

 

LOL, you guys....$545 for a water pump! It's $35 worth of parts in a $510 box. Tell me this is made in Modena....or is it the same as a $65 unit from elsewhere?

Ken

 

Ken,
I for one am a little annoyed at your constant "hand wringing" over Ferrari's weaknesses, and parts costs. We all know we are "taking it in the a s s", but so what? What does this comment do for the thread? Is there really so little action on the Lotus forums that you have to hang out here?

 

Your point is well taken: I'm flaying at windmills. Sooner or later I'll be one of you guys doing the same thing. I'm thinking if enough people post ways to avoid yellow boxes I'll save or buck or two, so I whine to encourage the masses.

For the record: My TC water pump died and needed the engine removed to change it; there's an aftermarket front cover/cassette water pump deal that with installation cost me about $1600. If it dies I pay $300 for a DIY replacement; no engine removeal needed. So I'm doing the same thing!

Ken

 

Thanks. I appreciate this information. If my pump goes out, I'll go with Superperformance in the UK. Again, thanks.

Bob Wassam

 

Okay Ken, at least you are sharing in our pain...

On to more Ferrari crap parts....I'm doing a "preventive replacement" of my exhaust manifolds on my 355 this weekend. Current factory oem ones were replaced 18k miles ago, and are sure to go soon (last ones went at 16k miles), so I am installing the rebuilt QV London ones. All told this is going to set me back about $2600 in parts alone...plus all the beer, pizza, and various bribes to my Ferrari club buddies who are helping! All because Ferrari (and Ansa) put inferior manifolds on the car in the first place (and second place with the replacements!).

 

I got my pump from a gentleman on E-bay. I can't remember exactly but as I was doing research he was mentioned as being very good (in the old archives). He has something to do with a Jaguar shop back east. His E-bay user name is excelsiorz if you want to contact him. He was listing them pretty regularly but I don't see one there now. If my memory is correct it was just over $200 for the pump and gasket.

As for the manifold, mine was also pitted pretty bad. I couldn't find a new one and the cheapest used on I located was $650 so I repaired mine as well.

 

See my previous post about the pump. The tank from SP is nice but make sure the fittings are correct for your car. They wouldn't work for my '78 gts. I would also think about keeping the stock radiator. If it's working properly it will keep up just fine, although an aluminum one would be lighter. I took mine in and had it pressure tested to 18lbs, held up just fine.

 

Try this Guy


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FERRARI-208-308-WATER-PUMP-328-MONDIAL-76-88-NR_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ42606QQitemZ4571798421QQrdZ1

 

WOW, that explains A LOT of the medical problems i have been experiencing since receiving the 308.