4age 20v - electric water pump setup

[paulv]

Am aware there are a number of articles around for the setup of a 20v cooling system for rear wheel drive with 16v water pump, under manifold water pipes etc, etc, etc.

What I am contemplating, is doing away with the belt driven water pump on my 4age 20v and using only an external electric pump.
The engine will be going in a rear drive vehicle - just not a Toyota.
The existing OEM belt driven impeller pump looks to be shagged - leaking seal and rough bearings, so I have to do something.
Already have an external electric pump handy.

From what I understand the out of the box or standard 4age 20v water flow is;
Cooled water from the radiator enters the engine at the very back of the cylinder head - flywheel end of the engine, in roughly the centre
Flows through the head to front, exiting the front of the head on the intake side, to go into the centre of the water pump.
Water pump impeller spins the water forcing it into the block.
Enters the block where the water pump bolts up, at the very front- roughly in the centre.
Flows through the block and back up into the head, to exit the engine at the rear on the exhaust side, behind the last exhaust port.

Now, if I remove the impeller and shaft from the water pump and weld it up.
Then use the external electric pump to push cooled water from the radiator into the normal water entry point at the back of the head.
And allow the water to exit at the normal exit on the exhaust side of the head and go back to the radiator, will the water actually follow the normal path through all of the head and block?
Or will it take a short cut somewhere and only half the head/block get cooled?

Thoughts? Comments?
Has anyone done this before?

[Sam-Q]

Your assumption of the water flow is correct. Your idea would put it the normal way but how would you run a thermostat?

[paulv]

Well, probably wouldn't run a thermostat. The electric water pump has a "controller" with a temp sensor - so it doesnt switch on and pump until the engine is up to temperature. And then when it is up to temp and the pump is switched on, it varies the speed etc / dependant on temperature.
Just need to mount the temp sensor in the right place.

What I am worried about, is if I essentially hollow out the existing belt driven pump - remove the impeller + shaft and leave it in place;
Then just push water into the engine - will the water take a short cut to go out the outlet - without traveling the full path?

Have never actually seen the inside of a 4age 20v to know how the water jackets are laid out, etc to know if this is what is likely to happen.
With the standard water flow - half of the water flow is draw in - the pump is kind of in the middle, and he last half is pushed

[Sam-Q]

you would have to suck it out of the head and push it into the original back of the pump. The electric controllers have many people who say they just don't work. Even some of the davies craig guys say you should still run a thermostat so there goes that concept. The way I see it that fancy controller no matter what it does can't keep the pressure on the system and restrict the flow like the original design.

I have seen this done before and I will see if I can get you a link.

Why not convert to a 16V type of flow with the water going in and out at the front? it's a proven thing.

Have you seen my cooling guide?

[paulv]

Yes, thanks - you have a great site. Lots of info.

Interesting comment around the electronic controllers. If it wasn't for the fact I already have an electric water pump lying around doing nothing, I wouldn't be considering using it...

[Sam-Q]

thanks, you can use it but I just strongly suggest you use a traditional thermostat. You can keep the original pump thermostat layout with the electric pump if you use an external thermostat.

Oh and if you want any conversion parts let me know

[Y-B-NRVS]

Hey pualv just wondering if you went trough with this electric water pump set up & if so how did it go any problems??? I'm thinking of doing the same thing as space is a big problem with my set up.

[paulv]

Hmm.
Successfully welded up the pump.. but have not got any further.

Distracted with other things..
Pity really - looking to be a fun project.