Electric Water Pumps

[Timlin]

Hi all

Does anyone have any direct experience with replacing the mechanical water pump on an R36 engine with and electric version, such as these? Electric Water Pumps

In some instances they claimed that 10kw can be gained from changing the mechanical water pump to an electric water pump...! Plus, the cooling benefits are considerable too.

At around $450.00 for the full kit, its not a bad way to gain 10kw! And the argument they pose for the much more stabilised cooling carries considerable weight.

But, will it work on an R36 with all the computer controlled functions etc? Am I correct in thinking that the R36, or most of the late model VW's use the CANBUS system? Evidently, this MAY be a problem with electric water pumps as the CANBUS system doesn't like such innovations like electric water pumps.

Can anyone advise and details on these issues?


Rgd's


Andrew

[team_v]

I don't see how a water pump can add 10kw........

Doesn't seem worth the "upgrade" to me.

[fred27]

These are supposed to reduce parasitic drag not add power. Some later model Ferrari's use electric water pumps. I don't have personal experience with VW R36 fitment but have seen some track day weapons at Eastern Creek and Wakefield use electric water pumps.

[vdubmotorworx]

wouldnt do it myself...most VWs have aditional electric water pumps anyway like the picture far left.. tiguan. polo. etc... have done for years...since T4 and mk3 golf days....used to keep the coolant flowing while the engine is turned off to provide a gradual cool down of all components instead if getting hot spots...ie around the cylinder head...also helps keep the heat longer in the cabin while the engine is off...even more inportant now with the stop/start models....VDUB.

[Timlin]

I'm not sure that I suggested that they "add" 10kw of power, but the article I linked the post to (Electric Water Pumps) suggests that by replacing your existing mechanical water pump with an electric version it reduces the load of the mechanical water pump on your engine, which in some cases can be as high as 10kw. So thats where you'd get the power gain. Plus they offer a much better cooling averages across the board, some even continue to run after the engine is turned off so as to reduce "heat soak", much like some turbo cars do.

So as far as what upgrades are "worth it" or not, well I guess that subjective to what is regarded as expensive or not. I think a possible 10kw power gain and better overall engine cooling for around $450.00 is probably "worth it", but each to their own of course...

But I'm not sure if the CANBUS system will allow the exchange though.


Rgd's



Andrew

[Timlin]

As far as I know all the V8 SuperCar cars use electric water pumps, and every F1 car on the grid does too... so I guess they must have some advantages in those arenas anyway, but for a daily driver, well, I just don't know.

Still, a 10kw power gain would be nice too!


Rgd's


Andrew

[wai]

There is no way that a standard mechanical water pump will draw 10 kW from the engine.

There are advantages in some circumstances. There is a consistent water circulation and it frees up space. Power wise, there can be some saving, but then the engine will have to charge the battery so again not that much of a saving. The other thing with racing engines that are consistently running at around 8,000 rpm, you can have issues with drive belts coming loose. You end up having to really tension them and this can cause reliability issues with the belt, the tensioning idler and the pump bearings.

These are used on some road vehicles already, so if you want to use one, just make sure you get one that is from a reputable manufacturer as you would not want it to fail when you are far from a replacement.

Don't expect to "recover" the 10 kW claimed. Such claims were made for electric cooling fans, but the reality is that the claims could never be backed up in use.

[Timlin]

Thanks for taking the time to respond to this post, your points are noted, and I also thank you for the advice!

Are you able to clarify if the CANBUS system in my B6 R36 will object to having an electric water pump exchanged for the mechanical one?

This'd be that main issue for me at this point.


Rgd's


Andrew

[Bug_racer]

How will you re-route the drive belt ?
How do you plan on blocking off original water pump ?

just things to consider

Also 10kw gain is probably on some old Commodore V8 or something , Id say max 5kw gain on an R36 Passat

[Timlin]

BR

Great questions! Sadly I have no answers for them yet, its early days in my research, but these are critical questions indeed! As/when I find out more detail, I'll post it here... as to the true, actual power gains to be had, well, again, I just don't know yet, but his article makes interesting reading: Electric Water Pumps There's also a YouTube video made by the company that makes some interesting claims after some considerable research: Davies Craig Pty Ltd - Electric Water Pump - YouTube

Even if it is only a 5-10kw gain, the added cooling efficiencies can't be ignored either. But firstly I have to understand the CANBUS issue and then your questions too are critical! What to do with the re-routing the belt drive is intriguing...

Any ideas anyone??


Rgd's



Andrew