Using an Electric Water Pump?

[halcron]

Anyone tried installing an electric water pump instead of the belt driven one. I am thinking if using an electric water pump will free up some HP due to parasitic drag.

[nicknikolovski]

Never seen one on a M42. Good job if you can pull it off. If it works can you write a procedure and add pictures?

[halcron]

Never seen one on a M42. Good job if you can pull it off. If it works can you write a procedure and add pictures?

I don't know if I could but I will try. Afterall, it seems that all I need to do is to custom a face plate that has the same dimensions as the belt pump and fit the impeller onto a motor. Lol... if only its that simply...

[mkodama]

It's a common thing on lower hp race cars with less than 300hp or to use electric water pumps in addition to the belt driven pump for extra cooling.

Here is an example: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=961380

Stock pump is removed and replaced with a simple cap:




The electric water pump being used:


Not a very cheap thing to do since that water pump is $420.  Cheaper electric water pumps are around $200-250.

Also you can't forget that the fan mounts to the water pump, so by eliminating the water pump, you also eliminate your ability to use a mechanical fan.

Lastly, by removing the water pump you also remove one of the pulleys so say goodbye to your stock length accessory belt and possibly needing to do something custom for the routing of the belt.

But switching to an electric water pump (and forcibly and electric fan and removing a pulley and water pump) you would definitely lower some engine rotating mass and remove some rotating drag.  So maybe like 2-5 hp and slightly better mileage?

[RouteZeroDesign]

Miles hit the nail right on the head

Adding to what miles said, the addition of an electric water pump allows much better control of engine temperature, and even allows you to run without a standard thermostat. (replaced with thermistor sensor and controlled using combination of fan and pump)

Also, it allows you set an rpm for the electric pump which you achieve maximum cooling efficiency.
With a standard water pump you only achieve for a certain rev range, and above that point you are just wasting horse power as the additional flow cannot be used.

Definitely worth the upgrade imo

[mkodama]

Miles hit the nail right on the head

Adding to what miles said, the addition of an electric water pump allows much better control of engine temperature, and even allows you to run without a standard thermostat. (replaced with thermistor sensor and controlled using combination of fan and pump)

Also, it allows you set an rpm for the electric pump which you achieve maximum cooling efficiency.
With a standard water pump you only achieve for a certain rev range, and above that point you are just wasting horse power as the additional flow cannot be used.

Definitely worth the upgrade imo

No thermostat!? And being able to control the coolant flow!? I didn't know or think of that, but that sounds really cool.  I think that's gonna go on my wish list now!  Also by eliminating the thermostat, that means one less wear and tear item.

My only question now is how specifically the pump is controlled and where the pump is placed since it won't work in the stock location.  Guess I need to do some more research...

[BETTERTECH824]

im putting a davies craige unit w/ controller on my m42 as soon
as it arrives. if all would like i will record step by step.

i just did a A/C delete &
after the electric water pump I plan on doing an electric p/s system.

the less the motor has to work against the better it will run.... right!
to be continued ...........

[BETTERTECH824]

I just finished my installation of the DAVIES CRAIGE EWP80. w/controller .

1- remove thermostat housing and water pump.
1a- remove thermostat from housing & reinstall housing.
 
    2- [I gutted my oem water pump, then took the body & cut it down
on both sides the inner and outer part.
                    **do not cut the inner side to close to the o-rigs groove**
I cut mine to my own personal length. (u can cut yours or leave it a lone)
 
    2a-Then I took a steel washer and welded the hole closed, put it down in to the
 body sitting flat , then filled the body with epoxy (I used HILTI BRAND) let it cure
 put a new o-ring on and install.


 3- The m42 motors lower radiator hose is shaped in such a way that the ewp80 pretty much just dropped in.
3a- cut the upper radiator hose so the ewp80 temp sensor is just after thermo housing.

4-Now the motor is only turning the PSP & alternator.
    4a- Dont forget you need a shorter belt for the motor to alt.

5- I have my electric fan on all the time right now because I need a relay to wire it into
the system. ( tomorrow ill do that)

6- Run the wires from engine bay to cab, hook up as Davies Craige paper work says and your done.




 I have only driven the car around a little bit to make sure the temp would be ok and so far so good.
I have not adjusted the setting on the controller at all.

    1st thing I noticed was that the car was quieter the idle sounded lower and smoother.
 When I checked the gauges the idle was exactly where it always is.
 the car took a bit longer to come up to normal temp,
          (my temp gauges normal is just to the left of the middle line)
  when it did reach its normal it stayed in between my old mechanical pumps normal temp
 & the middle line and never moved up or down after that.

   I mounted a gopro camera to the front of my 318is before the Davies Craige ewp80 was installed .
Ill get video with the system and post asap.

   I cant give an honest opinion of the unit yet because its only been on for one drive.
in a day or so Ill report back what changes good or bad I notice.
     As for the install it was very basic.4/10

[BETTERTECH824]

update
I rehung my pump so now its inline with the bottom of the radiator.
and is no longer sitting on the frame rail. Now it hangs between the lower radiator exit and the thermostat
in. looks cleaner and better.

[colin86325]

Any pics of the new location?  Nice write-up!

[BETTERTECH824]

new mounting location.