Coolant system - bypass hose from water pump

[andyps]

I noticed recently that the bypass hose on my car wasn't getting warm at all - the car has largely been stood for 30 years - even when the coolant got warm enough for the fan to cut in. I don't currently have a thermostat in the system because I know it needs flushing out fully so haven't bothered fitting one. Today I ran it with a can of radiator flush in and then drained it down. When it was empty I took the bypass hose off and the pipe to it from the water pump was full of sludge, I've cleaned that out but it still didn't get warm when I ran the car afterwards. Before refitting the pipe I did try a piece of wire in the tube on the pump the hose fits to and couldn't get a piece of wire down it, or blow any air through. I'm presuming it should flow at some point but doubt it will at the moment.

I'm going to put another can of flush through the system and will also put a hose pipe on it but need to get the car out of the garage to do the latter and today certainly wasn't the right day as I would have created an ice rink under the car!

Is it likely I need a new water pump or have I missed something about flow through there - or rather, the lack of it?

[Angle Grinder]

I would get the water pump reconditioned just for peace of mind. I don't know what a Fulvia pump would cost new, but I got my Flavia pump rebuilt in 2019 for ~£120 (including postage) by EP Services in Wolverhampton.

If you google the name you'll see lots of people using them on classic car pages. I was very happy with the service and they give you a lifetime guarantee on the work they do.

http://www.ep-services.co.uk/

[andyps]

Thanks for that recommendation. It another can of flush doesn't clear it I will probably get a new pump as they are available for £150 in the UK and €100 from Pieces-Fulvia in France so quite reasonable.

I can't find an image that shows the route inside the pump of the pipe that connects to the hose - I felt that it may not be a straight line as it seems quite solid about an inch down, more so than just the sludge is likely to be.

[Jaydub]

Hi Andy
I checked my new Fulvia pump and I can get a rod into the pipe about 70mm and then you reach the impeller shaft.

Hope this helps you.

[Derek Creasy]

I recently got a new pump from Pieces Fulvia . very fast service and fits perfectly.

[davidwheeler]

I recently got a new pump from Pieces Fulvia . very fast service and fits perfectly.

Unfortunately you will have to add import duty and VAT to that!

[andyps]

Hi Andy
I checked my new Fulvia pump and I can get a rod into the pipe about 70mm and then you reach the impeller shaft.

Hope this helps you.

Thanks, that is really helpful. I'll measure it when I next take the pipe off, I filled it with a water/antifreeze mix again yesterday as it will be next weekend at the earliest before I run the engine again.

[andyps]

I recently got a new pump from Pieces Fulvia . very fast service and fits perfectly.

Unfortunately you will have to add import duty and VAT to that!

No duty if it is made in the EU but there will be VAT, the €100 includes French VAT which is higher than ours so balances out. Useful to know they are quick with delivery still, they were when I bought something from them before.

[frankxhv773t]

I'm not sure if this casts any more light on the problem but I offer it on the off chance.

[lancialulu]

Given the sediment a new water pump should be fitted. Even if the pump rotates damage will have been done the the seals and bearing and it will give up when you do not need it (ie half way across Europe - when we are allowed out ....).

[andyps]

Given the sediment a new water pump should be fitted. Even if the pump rotates damage will have been done the the seals and bearing and it will give up when you do not need it (ie half way across Europe - when we are allowed out ....).

I'm pretty sure you are right. And I love the optimism, at least you are saying when rather than if!

[andyps]

I'm not sure if this casts any more light on the problem but I offer it on the off chance.

Thanks for the picture, I suspect that is what mine would look like inside - that is the colour of the water that came out of the system!

[andyps]

As an update I fitted a new water pump today, ordered from Pieces-Fulvia and arrived within a week (would have been quicker by Fedex took 3 days to get it the 20 miles from their depot to my house.

I'll refill the system tomorrow and run it up to temperature. Should be ready for a first drive now but the weather isn't favourable at the moment!

[Jaydub]

Hi Andy, sorry to hijack this subject, but as you have just purchased from France, I was wondering if Pieces-Fulvia had put up their charges post brexit.  I purchased a water pump last year, among other things, and they charged only delivery and no vat. Has it changed?

Apologies to all for the hijack, I know it has been mentioned on another thread, but as Andy has recent experience.

[lancialulu]

Pieces Fulvia have emailed me to say they are no longer charging VAT to UK customers. Prices obviously stay the same as its an online platform.