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Re: 1900 waterpumper into a beetle

Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2010 10:45 am
by Dawie
With some conversions, the forming of air or steam-pockets can be a problem. Not saying it is neccessarily happening in your case.

The ideal way for water circulation is the thermosyphon system, as used in DKW cars, solar water systems, and some old stationary engines on farms. No pump is needed there. Hot water rises to the top, and with correct pipe routing, cold water takes its place from the bottom. The bigger the temperature difference, the faster it circulates.

For this to work successfully, the radiator must be mounted higher than the engine. And most importantly, the water outlet from the cylinder-head must go upwards all the way to the top of radiator. Straight up, not down underneath the chassis first before going to the top of the radiator in front. That is why the coolant exits the DKW cylinderhead right at the top, in a funnel-type shape if i remember correctly. Upwards to the radiator wich is mounted high on the firewall side, above the gearbox. No chance of air pockets there, it rises straight to the top. Excellent system, no waterpump used by a DKW.

The opposite happens with VW conversions. Hot water and air bubbles/steam rises to the top of the engine, and fights against efforts of the pump to move it downwards to underneath the chassis. The hotter the engine gets, the harder the water/steam fights against the pump trying to circulate it in the opposite direction. So when the car is started from cold, all seems fine, until it gets hot. Then suddenly things changes fast, circulation slows, air/steam accumulates in the highest parts of the engine. Once air/steam enters the waterpump, circulation comes to a halt...and we all know what happens then. (It is called a waterpump, it does'nt pump air).

Most important is to mount the water-expansion tank much higher than the engine. From all the highest positions of the cooling system, (like the heads), pipes must go straight upwards to this tank. Then hopefully air/steam will leave the engine, making space for water...

The wasserboxer should not be as bad, because the heads are lower than upright engines. Vw still did the expansion-tank thing there, and at one stage recommended that the front or rear of vehicle had to be jacked up high when filling water. Think the 2.6 kombi used two waterpumps, one electrical.

With a beachbuggy, one can take the top water-outlet from the engine around te side ,(beach buggy has no doors) to the top of the radiator in front.

Maybe you already have your expansion-tank connected correctly. If you still have a problem, all i can think :idea: is upgrade to an aircooled engine, or get a DKW car. (Just joking).

Re: 1900 waterpumper into a beetle

Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2010 5:33 pm
by hitlers revenge
What size pipework are you using?

Re: 1900 waterpumper into a beetle

Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2010 9:12 pm
by RICKY-R69
I used to drive DKW vehicles for thousands of miles so I understand the thermo syphon concept. H. R I am using 32 mm alu tubing at the moment. Had no overheating issues with the same engine in my bay but had the radiator mounted in the back on the left hand side. Removed the sparewheel well and boxed the r/h side so that the air is routed over the tank from the r/h air inlet to the radiator. O. K the radiator was a lot higher than the engine. The ideal for thermosyphon to be effective is that the radiator must be 17 degrees higher than the engine.

Re: 1900 waterpumper into a beetle

Posted: Thu Sep 09, 2010 10:18 am
by hitlers revenge
I was told to use 32 mm when I converted my buggy and had no issues.

Are you sure you do not have an air bubble in the pipework. Do you have a pressure release tap on your system?

I dont have on mine, so when I know the system has been emptied , I fill the bottle with the golf radiator overflow pipe disconnected until I see water coming out of it, then I reconnect it and then undo the upper most hose of the complete system and fill the pipeing up from there. This removes any air bubbles.

Re: 1900 waterpumper into a beetle

Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2010 8:52 am
by RICKY-R69
I need some engine spares for this baby. Any idea where I can get a set of rings a full gasket set and pushrod tubes for this baby?

Re: 1900 waterpumper into a beetle

Posted: Mon Sep 13, 2010 10:39 am
by splitfan
Hi Ricky
I have a gasket set in stock but its not good news man.... all i can do is give it to you at cost R825-00 , yes i know :shock: This is a german set so that explains the high price.Rings i dont know yet as i need sizes to confirm stock and price.

Re: 1900 waterpumper into a beetle

Posted: Tue Nov 02, 2010 3:01 am
by RICKY-R69
Finally got round to strip the engine as I am working away from home. Found it broke valve springs on no. 1&2 exhaust valves an no. 1 intake. Heads are also cracked between valve seats. Any ideas why this happened? Now I need a set of heads for it. Anybody got some please let me know?

Re: 1900 waterpumper into a beetle

Posted: Thu Nov 04, 2010 2:55 pm
by RICKY-R69
Still kooking for 1900 or 2.1 wbx heads PLEASE ANY-ONE!

Re: 1900 waterpumper into a beetle and out again

Posted: Thu Nov 04, 2010 8:48 pm
by Bugger
I might have a set how urgent do you need them

Re: 1900 waterpumper into a beetle and out again

Posted: Fri Nov 05, 2010 7:08 am
by RICKY-R69
All depends on the price. :D Let me know will ya, please?

Re: 1900 waterpumper into a beetle and out again

Posted: Fri Nov 05, 2010 7:43 am
by Bugger
Will go check past the eng shop and check for you

Re: 1900 waterpumper into a beetle and out again

Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2010 8:32 am
by RICKY-R69
Bugger??????????????????????? :zhelp:

Re: 1900 waterpumper into a beetle and out again

Posted: Mon Nov 08, 2010 12:48 pm
by Bugger
Call Keith at MC Donalds eng 011 680 1544
They specialize in the wbx My heads that I had was destroyed and not repairable so will not be able to sell the 2 I had

Other wise Johan at Vee motors could help you aswell 011 615 6110