Electric water pump

[Sunaj]

Spent the last few hours reading threads, and wondered how difficult it would be to convert the pump in my 2000 chevy malibu 3.1 to electric.

I could manage with a pump from a Toyota prius? They can be had for 70 bucks on eBay. In theory could just about any water pump work? Then, how would I wire it?

Obviously I could get the electrical connector for it and wire the positive to the battery and ground the pump? Would this create a situation where the pump constantly runs even when the engine is off? How could I wire it so that it comes on after cars been started?

Then would it be suggested that I use a resistor to slow it down so that it isn't running full speed all the time? Or do I want it at constant full speed

Would be nice as I've already deleted the ac system on my vehicle, wasn't working anyway. If I can switch to electric pump, then that allows for Mechanical pump, idler pulley and PS delete leaving just the tensioner crank and alternator config

[serialk11r]

I would suggest attaching a motor directly to the stock factory pump and bypassing the belt if possible.

The water pump only needs to turn at maybe 1500rpm, you can find a cheap brushless motor and RC plane controller to do the job, or even a brushed motor (I would go brushless for reliability).

[Sunaj]

Originally Posted by serialk11r

I would suggest attaching a motor directly to the stock factory pump and bypassing the belt if possible.

The water pump only needs to turn at maybe 1500rpm, you can find a cheap brushless motor and RC plane controller to do the job, or even a brushed motor (I would go brushless for reliability).

Trying to lose weight in the engine bay so don't really want to go that route if I don't have to

[Daox]

Actually, you're adding weight either way. But, instead of adding a pump and a motor, you'd just be adding a motor.

Either way, you'd want some form of controller so its not running full tilt all the time.

[Sunaj]

I've heard of people simply wiring as described in the first post and adding a resister. Is this not possible?

[Daox]

Its possible, but its still just a single speed. If you want to do it properly and efficiently you'll want a controller that monitors a few things and modulates speed based off those sensor inputs.

[Sunaj]

And how much am I looking at? Don't want to spend over 200* bucks for this setup honestly and I'm aware it will only be a single speed action.

Also., any water pump could work right?

[oldtamiyaphile]

If you don't have a proper controller, you might not see any of the benefits an E-pump can bring, in fact you might go backwards.

A pump running enough to cool at WOT right from cold start will only slow warm ups, and with the T-Stat closed, that's a lot of load on the pump/motor/battery/alt.

Etc, etc.

I don't know why people are so insistent on DIY solutions when a Davies Craig setup is only a fraction over $200 and comes with a proper controller, warranty and adapters for certain engines.

[Sunaj]

Wheres this davie craig setup you speak of? got a link?

[Sunaj]

I assume one of the kits on his website.. just came across this one..

Electric Water Pump EWP80