[MGZRreplica]

Hi,
I have R8 220,

Is there anybody in the midlands who can swop the water pump with the water pump bolts seized?

The local mechanic has tried and said they are seized if he try’s to put some more force, the bolts will snap.

Thanks in advance.

[961tat]

Heat is what is need wish I lived near bud .

[StubbornPatriot]

The mechanic I used to recommission my 220 Turbo managed to snap all the bolts and couldn't get the pump off the housing anyway as they were too firmly corroded together. After his fruitless search for a used replacement housing he then suggested a new one from Rimmers, at some extortionate price. I asked him if I could take it with me as a pattern when continuing to look for a used one. Once home, during my lunch break, I managed to separate off the old water pump using a robust wide bladed wallpaper scraper, caution and a bit of physical persuasion. Not a mark was made on the housing mating face. After heating the housing up with a blowlamp and giving a good drench in WD40, I then tried getting the remainder of the bolts out using the 2 nuts tightened together technique, but only one would come out that way. The remaining bolt stubs had enough on them to get molegrips on. Using as big a pair as possible and clamping them extremely, extremely hard down (both hands on the clamp bar) I managed to remove all the remaining broken bolts. Re-heating and WD40ing as required. I then cleaned it all up and took it back to the mechanic. At first he thought I'd found a good second hand housing. Upon explaining that this was the one I took away with me, he asked me if I was looking for a job (and I'm not convinced he was completely joking). He was, however, a little embarrassed.

So, even if bolts do break, it's not necessarily the end of the world.

[961tat]

The mechanic I used to recommission my 220 Turbo managed to snap all the bolts and couldn't get the pump off the housing anyway as they were too firmly corroded together. After his fruitless search for a used replacement housing he then suggested a new one from Rimmers, at some extortionate price. I asked him if I could take it with me as a pattern when continuing to look for a used one. Once home, during my lunch break, I managed to separate off the old water pump using a robust wide bladed wallpaper scraper, caution and a bit of physical persuasion. Not a mark was made on the housing mating face. After heating the housing up with a blowlamp and giving a good drench in WD40, I then tried getting the remainder of the bolts out using the 2 nuts tightened together technique, but only one would come out that way. The remaining bolt stubs had enough on them to get molegrips on. Using as big a pair as possible and clamping them extremely, extremely hard down (both hands on the clamp bar) I managed to remove all the remaining broken bolts. Re-heating and WD40ing as required. I then cleaned it all up and took it back to the mechanic. At first he thought I'd found a good second hand housing. Upon explaining that this was the one I took away with me, he asked me if I was looking for a job (and I'm not convinced he was completely joking). He was, however, a little embarrassed.

So, even if bolts do break, it's not necessarily the end of the world.

Just goes to show really good mechanics are hard to find and it is embarrassing really what about induction heating there are electric and gas these days and get to the spot without heating everything else .

[MGZRreplica]

Thanks for the reply’s.
It’s not looking good.
Still haven’t got anybody.

Waiting to hear of Gavin from Coventry MG Rover garage.

Spoke to Ron at best of British.
He said
to Undo the bolts - get the engine hot and tap the bolts 3 times.
It should work.

[James3990]

A mechanic who is scared of seized bolts?

Heat them up, shock them with a hammer, make sure the correct size socket is used etc.

Even if the worst happens, remove the complete housing from the block and drill them out.

Nothing that a true mechanic can’t sort.

[MGZRreplica]

Thanks for your advice.

Took it to Gavin at Ryton Oxford Service Station Garage.
The housing was not that good,
so he had to have to fit the new water pump housing, and cover that I got from Rimmer Bros.

It’s a good job Rover made a few to many 2litre T series non air-con housings!
I don’t think it didn’t help the car was standing for 8 years before my purchase.

Now I’ve got to find a length of fuel pipe with the adapter on by the fuel tank for the ZS.
It was a MOT advisory.
My MG Rovers like spending my money!