Really annoying!

Post by **johnm** » Wed Dec 28, 2005 5:24 pm

I've had a problem for a while of a fairly loud "frying" noiser from the front of the engine that appeared to be the water pump.

So I just replaced the waterpump and it was as a quiet as could be for about 5 mins BUT NOW THE FRYING'S BACK

On the previous pump I diagnosed the problem by eliminating it temporarily by squirting WD40 behind the pulley and that quietened it. So what am I doing wrong to make water pumps noisy??

Post by **Multiphonikks** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 9:28 am

Hi John

It sounds like it could be the alternator/dynamo too. Have you checked them?

Secondly, check and double-check the alignment of your three pullies. I experienced a big problem with Hebe when the bottom crank pully and the top water and alternator pullies were out of alignment.

If you've got the whole thing too tight too that'll cause problems

Good luck (Hoping you have a nice warm garage!)

Nikki

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu Dec 29, 2005 9:04 pm

I guess the wd40 got on the belt - and that stopped the noise? Try a new fan belt first - then the generator - but yes - the pulleys MUST be correctly aligned.

Post by **johnm** » Fri Dec 30, 2005 8:44 am

I'm intrigued by the pulley alignment question. I have an alternator fitted and I think it's aligned OK, the alternor top front mounting fits snugly against the waterpump and bolts on fine, the rear bracket has a threaded rod and spacers to fit the old dynamo rear mounting.

Is there a recommended way of checking pulley alignment?, they certainly look OK but is that sufficiently accurate?

I will change the fanbelt BTW probably should have done that while I was at it

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Dec 30, 2005 7:17 pm

A straight edge - or just by eye is usually good enough. Quite often I have had to put a thin washer between the water pump and the alternator at the front mounting. The rear bracket should be a special shape to suit the alternator - with a short sliding sleeve in the alternator to allow some adjustment. If you only have the old dynamo bracket and a long threaded rod- then maybe the alternator is lying back at an angle to the horizontal -which could be the problem. Look for a proper alternator bracket from a Mini.

Post by **johnm** » Sat Dec 31, 2005 11:48 am

Thanks bmcecosse!

I think you may be spot on. A closer look at the front end with Mrs Johnm led us both to believe that the alternator is a little behind the water pump. It's about washer thickness I reckon, so I'll look for the bits in question and get it re fitted as soon as I can. I can check the refitting with a straight edge.

Best wishes to for 2006!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Dec 31, 2005 6:28 pm

And all the best to you too!

Post by **johnm** » Sat Jan 14, 2006 7:01 pm

Good news! A couple of thick washers fitted between the top two bolt holes and the mounting brackets have indeed made the frying disappear

Any thoughts on getting a set of wipers to work

I bought a complete new set of wipers and arms from ESM and they were no better than the ones I took off

However they were different so I've now managed to find a combination of old and new wipers and arms that actually clears both sides of the screen pretty well

edited to add Oh BTW I've also get a spare water pump now too

Post by **ColinP** » Sat Jan 14, 2006 7:19 pm

If you don't mind black wiper blade holders, I've found the 11 inch Bosch blades very effective

http://www.autobulbsdirect.co.uk/home.php is one supplier.

mind you, I did have to shorten the spring inside the wiper arm to get a bit more pressure on the screen.

Colin

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Jan 15, 2006 1:20 pm

Well done with the washers. Generally the 'chrome' blades are hopeless at wiping the water away - this applies to Minis too - but I have fitted the rubber blade from black holders into my 'chrome' ones - and they are better.