MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG TD TF 1500 - TD Waterpump

Good morning learned folk. The Waterpump on my car needs replacing, can this be done without removal of the bonnet and radiator? Has anyone achieved that repair please? I don't want to waste my time to no avail. Thanks in anticipation. Peter.
P J Wilgoss

Hello Peter,

I'm replying to your question to prove that I am paying attention. I'm pretty sure it's possible to change the pump without removing the rad'. It's likely you will get sore knuckles of course.

I'll get out of the way now so that the learned folk on here who have actually done it can give you a definitive answer.

Hope you get it sorted OK.
J Penny

Hi Peter,

If you find your pump is the later version, I suggest you refurbish it. It is pretty simple and should only need new bearings, a new seal and a light lathe skim of the copper seat to make it like new! The bearings are a commonly available item (and I suggest you get the sealed version) and a seal which fits perfectly, is readily available. The part numbers will show up in the 2015 archives under "WATER PUMP SEALS AVAILABLE". I could post a seal from South Australia if you have trouble finding one locally.

There is the option of buying a new Chinese pump. I have never seen one and have heard varying reports on them. Others might comment?

Bob Schapel
R L Schapel

I've got a Chinese pump in mine - I bought it before all the discussion of finding a new seal that actually fits. It's working fine so far. It has the impeller with more blades than stock, though I don't notice any difference in cooling... it runs cool all the time.
Kevin McLemore

Peter - It is possible to remove the pump without having to remove the radiator - but - unless you do something to protect your knuckles, you will have to donate the required amount of skin. You can either tape a sheet of cardboard over the radiator fins or some duct tape over your knuckles to bypass the above required amount of skin. Cheers - Dave
DW DuBois

Ditto to Dave DuBois, Peter. I replaced mine a few years ago and did remove the bonnet but not the radiator.
I was able to escape without blooding up my knuckles, but the cardboard suggestion is excellent.
It is cramped quarters for the hands and tools yet a much easier and faster job than removing and replacing the radiator.

BobbyG
Bobby Galvez

If the old pump body is useable I would send it to Butch Taras for rebuild. He'll put in a modern seal and new bearings and a six vane impeller if you want.
You can definitely remove the pump without pulling the radiator but if you are rebuilding the pump it's a good opportunity to take the radiator and have it cleaned and tested...
Geoffrey M Baker

"If the old pump body is useable I would send it to Butch Taras for rebuild"

He could do that Geoffrey but it would make it a very expensive pump.
It would be better to fit an off the shelf unit and perhaps consider getting the original rebuilt (in the UK) at a later date.
J Penny

Just for information, it is EP Services of Wolverhampton, that rebuild them with modern ceramic seals in the UK.
Dave H
Dave Hill

Good evening all you learned chaps. Thank you for the wealth of information and experience that you have shared with me. I have decided to remove the bonnet(hood) and protect the inner surface of the rad and go for it. I drive probably less than 1000 miles per year so a 'Chinese ' replacement will be a solution I think. Plenty of Elastoplast in the garage though.... It looks if my failed pump is a BMC Goldseal item therefore a refurbishment prospect as suggested by Cambridgeshire 'Dave' would make a 'spare on the self' a sensible precaution.
'
Kindest regards to you all for your interest, Peter.
P J Wilgoss

If you get your original refurbished and fit that, it will never need replacement, unlike the cheap replacements currently available. Its not a job you will want to do twice.
Dave H
Dave Hill

This thread was discussed on 19/09/2015

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archives. Join the live MG TD TF 1500 BBS now