Electric Raw Water Pump?

[Simes]

Has any one done this? Do any engines use or offer this as an option?
Other than the obvious "Engine will drown if pump on and engine not running" (or any thoughts on how to mitigate this problem) are there any other down sides?

The replacement engine I am looking at (rep[lacing the old and fully seized Ford Dorset) Has come from a keel cooled canal boat. Keel cooling uses a fresh water coolant so no water pump">Raw Water pump is needed. The builders (Lister) do not seem to offer this as an option, but the rest of the engine is in great shape. I can get a heat exchanger with no trouble but I suspect that a Raw Water pump is going to be a bit sticky.

Simes

[sailvayu]

You should be able to find a pulley driven pump without too much trouble and just bolt it on like an alternator. Should not be a big deal and much more reliable tan trying to rig an electric.

Good luck

[jrd22]

Go with a belt driven pump (simple, reliable, proven), there would be too many problems/issues with an electric, you don't want to go there.

[klem]

Electric water pumps are common on racing engines and that is about it. It is certainly possible to wire it such that it is "safe" for the engine but even a very high quality electric pump installation will not match a mechanical pump for reliability. A belt driven pump is probably your best bet.

[Simes]

Hi Folks,

many thanks for your replies, I think that we are going to shelve this engine, save our buck's and purchase a brand new one. Lots more bunce but easier and probably more reliable.

Thanks Again for helping me / us to come to the right decision.

Simes