Need a water pump for my 1976 S3

[Dave Nichols]

Well you know how it goes, you pull one thing apart and find something else that needs to be fixed. Looks like my water pump is leaking. Anyone know where I can get a water pump that will fit my 1976 Caterham. It has the original Lotus Twin Cam motor in it.

Thanks!

--Dave

[slomove]

Well you know how it goes, you pull one thing apart and find something else that needs to be fixed. Looks like my water pump is leaking. Anyone know where I can get a water pump that will fit my 1976 Caterham. It has the original Lotus Twin Cam motor in it.

Thanks!

--Dave

Not sure where to get a new one....but when my water pump leaked I took it to a local pump/alternator/starter shop and had them refurbish the seals/bearings. Very cheap and almost like new.

[GWise]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news... but this is NOT as simple job.

The water pump is literally buried in the twin cam motor. It is built into the front timing chain cover, which is wedged between the head and the oil pan. In an elan, it's almost easier to pull out the entire engine to work on it. I cant imagine it'll be much better in a 7, but perhaps slightly.

The good news is there is a way to correct this from happening again. More bad news - it costs $700. This may seem ridiculous until you find out how long twin cam water pumps typically last. Yes... 20-40k miles

http://www.davebean.com/NewProd.htm

If it's any consolation, should you decide to keep the standard mounting location you can call Bean or JAE and order a rebuild kit for around $50 if I recall correctly.

[Dave Nichols]

Thanks GWise. I'll give 'em a call in the morning.

--Dave

[mopho]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news... but this is NOT as simple job.

The water pump is literally buried in the twin cam motor. It is built into the front timing chain cover, which is wedged between the head and the oil pan. In an elan, it's almost easier to pull out the entire engine to work on it. I cant imagine it'll be much better in a 7, but perhaps slightly.

The good news is there is a way to correct this from happening again. More bad news - it costs $700. This may seem ridiculous until you find out how long twin cam water pumps typically last. Yes... 20-40k miles

http://www.davebean.com/NewProd.htm

If it's any consolation, should you decide to keep the standard mounting location you can call Bean or JAE and order a rebuild kit for around $50 if I recall correctly.

I had done this modification to my Elan and it was expensive, never got to find out if it was worth it.
Some Elan guys have had the water pumps last for 40-50k miles or more and argue that you would likely be pulling the motor at that point anyway, others not so lucky and only get 10-20k out of the pumps. I only replaced mine because I had the engine out for a rebuild anyway and figured it was good insurance since the cartridge pump can be replaced on the side of the road

Bean is the source for Twin Cam parts, used them for years and they are great, albeit not cheap

[Dave Nichols]

So, just so I understand correctly, for $700 does Dave Bean you get everything you need, new water pump and all as well as the easy to replace unit and mounting bracket?

[mopho]

As far as I know, it comes with everything (my engine builder installed it, so I never saw it outside the engine). You would need to buy a second cartridge pump if you want to carry a spare though

[11budlite]

From Bean's website:

[GWise]

Dave,

I may be incorrect, but I believe AVO west was the shop that originally developed this kit. Theirs may be a bit cheaper than bean's.

I think it may have some of the issues listed on bean's site though. Just FYI.

[mopho]

Dave,

I may be incorrect, but I believe AVO west was the shop that originally developed this kit. Theirs may be a bit cheaper than bean's. (310) 259-4643

I think it may have some of the issues listed on bean's site though. Just FYI.

AVO west is the shop that worked on my Elan, they got my pump from Bean.


The number you posted belongs to the owners sons cell phone BTW

[Dave Nichols]

Thanks gents,

I called Bean's this morning and spoke to Tom. He is sourcing what I need and will call back shortly. You guys are the best!

--Dave

[GWise]

AVO west is the shop that worked on my Elan, they got my pump from Bean.


The number you posted belongs to the owners sons cell phone BTW

Couldn't find their number. I went to school with Rob and figured he could help. I guess it's not really necessary since they don't sell the kit.

After some research, JAE is the other company that sells the kit. I forgot to mention, if you want the job done right you'll need a gasket set as well.

[mopho]

Couldn't find their number. I went to school with Rob and figured he could help. I guess it's not really necessary since they don't sell the kit.

After some research, JAE is the other company that sells the kit. I forgot to mention, if you want the job done right you'll need a gasket set as well.

Rob? They're both named Todd

AVO changed hands a number of years ago (15-20?), current shop is a small race shop that specializes in Lotus Elans.

[GWise]

He goes by Todd or Rob. Last name Gerstenberger, right?

[Dave Nichols]

The folks at Dave Bean are sending me their too cool replaceable water pump unit along with all the needed gaskets, etc. I'll have it all on Monday.

Thanks again!