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Mar 11, 2017 12:48 pm
h14 Offline
Member
Registered since: Nov 30, 2008
Location: Chalandray, France


Subject: LG6 (Meadows) water pump rebuild
Got my LG6 back on the road last year, last drove it in 2000. Discovered the water pump was dripping; dismantled it to find it had been rebuilt with plain bronze bearings, stainless shaft, and a rubber seal replacing part of the front bearing. No packing whatsoever under the special set screw (and no grease in the stauffer!). No evidence of a graphite seal; just two thick bronze washers between the impeller and the body casting. One of the bronze washers had worn against that, meaning longitudinal play, and the leak.

Reading the Club manual, I see recommendation for modern bearings and seals. I have found someone who can rebuild the pump as original, but now I've got the pump apart, I can see the bearings have picked up a bit, and frankly, it seems a pretty poor design. The contemporary V12 had a sensible graphite seal arrangement. It seems bizarre that Lagonda should offer a car with automatic chassis lubrication, yet tell owners they need to turn the pump stauffer nearly every time they drive the car!

Can anyone recommend a firm who can replace the bearings with modern ball races, and fit a modern effective seal? Yes I know the club has new pumps available, but I'd prefer to keep original parts on the engine, and I can't run to £800 for that anyway, too much other expense at the moment.
Laurence
 

Mar 14, 2017 7:15 pm
bill Offline
Member
Registered since: Jun 08, 2011
Location: -


Subject: Re: LG6 (Meadows) water pump rebuild
Ask Alan Brown. He got a batch of water pumps made some years ago (I have one) with modern seals etc. His supplier may be able to update yours.
 

Mar 14, 2017 8:18 pm
h14 Offline
Member
Registered since: Nov 30, 2008
Location: Chalandray, France


Subject: Re: LG6 (Meadows) water pump rebuild
Hi Bill,
Many thanks, but have already tried Alan; unfortunately the guy he used is no longer alive, and he doesn't know anyone else doing this.
Laurence
 

Mar 15, 2017 9:44 pm
Mark Offline
Member
Registered since: Feb 05, 2009
Location: Worcestershire


Subject: Re: LG6 (Meadows) water pump rebuild
Hi Lawrence
The chap who used to rebuild the 4.5L water pump with modern sealed bearings and seals was the late Jim Shelley, a most talented engineer and jazz musician who is sadly missed.
About 10 years ago Jim stopped doing the pumps but he recommended E P Services of Wolverhampton. I approached them and they rebuilt my pump. Don't think they put in sealed bearings (I do still turn the greaser) but I believe a modern seal was used. I have covered over 10k miles and not had any problems with the water pump so may be worth giving them a call.
Hope this helps
Regards
Mark
 

Mar 16, 2017 11:43 am
h14 Offline
Member
Registered since: Nov 30, 2008
Location: Chalandray, France


Subject: Re: LG6 (Meadows) water pump rebuild
Hi Mark,
Not too fussed about sealed bearings...frankly I'd be happier turning the stauffer occasionally and knowing that the bearings are continuously being supplied with fresh grease.

I've come across a retired engineer advertising in the VSCC newsletter who is confident he can do the work, but ideally needs to know which bearings and seals to use.

Any chance you have those details; perhaps on E P Services invoice?
Laurence
 

Mar 16, 2017 10:04 pm
Mark Offline
Member
Registered since: Feb 05, 2009
Location: Worcestershire


Subject: Re: LG6 (Meadows) water pump rebuild
Hi Lawrence
Sorry don't have any details on the invoice. However, I guess a good engineer will be able to assess the ability to machine the water pump body to fit stock bearings. I think the new 4.5L pump offered by Wessex Workshops has sealed bearings?
Regards
Mark
 

Mar 17, 2017 6:21 pm
h14 Offline
Member
Registered since: Nov 30, 2008
Location: Chalandray, France


Subject: Re: LG6 (Meadows) water pump rebuild
Hi Mark,
Rang Wessex Workshops a couple of days ago; seems they no longer work on water pumps.
Spoke with E P Services today; seems they are pretty familiar with Meadows pumps, so they seem favourite. Thanks for pointing me in their direction.
Laurence
 

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