Performance Projects’ 3.0-litre Lagonda water pumps

The commission: Enabling the supply of new durable water pumps for pre-war Lagondas

Pre-War Car Parts Ltd, specialists in Bentley, Invicta & Lagonda car preparation and component supply, have customers requiring new water pumps for 2.0- and 3.0-litre pre-war Lagondas.  Wear and tear, corrosion and seizure has exhausted the original supply.  The brief for Guild Commercial Partner, Performance Projects, was clear: to design replacement Lagonda water pump assemblies that look and perform exactly like the original units, but which allow owners to enjoy their cars without the durability & maintenance issues of the original units.

The solution was to design a pump that uses a body, cover and impeller matching the original castings, but with a new shaft, seal and bearing pack arrangement to reduce leakage and improve durability.

The original water seal, in common with many cars of this era, utilised a carbon-impregnated string.  Coolant leakage (even in a well prepared original water pump unit) results in visible staining, coolant loss, lower confidence in the engine preparation as a whole and potential pump seizure when left for extended periods. The replacement Pre-War Car Parts Ltd pumps utilise a modern mechanical seal that virtually eliminates coolant loss.

Non-serviceable Lagonda water pump body used for the design

The original water pumps used a greased plain bearing arrangement, with one bearing located within the coolant filled side of the water pump.  A bearing running within coolant which contains unknown debris and additives, as well as the inherent corrosion problems when left stationary for long periods, is not ideal for durability.  The revised pumps utilise a pair of larger diameter ‘sealed for life’ rolling element bearings, both positioned on the dry side of the body and designed to run without issue for the life of the engine. The bearings now support a stainless steel impeller shaft (rather than the original ferrous steel item), again giving corrosion resistance and durability throughout the engine life.

Pre War Car Parts Ltd replacement Lagonda 3.0-litre water pump body (designed by Performance Projects Ltd)

Supply of comprehensive computer models and drawings in electronic format (rather than machining manually from drawings alone) enabled quotation and supply from the widest range of high quality, cost effective manufacturers, and offset the cost of the design work.

Through using Performance Projects’ trusted and proven design services, marque specialist Pre-War Car Parts Ltd were able to fulfil customer demand for high quality Lagonda water pumps.

We are always delighted to hear from Members about their Classic Car projects. Please contact us with any of yours, and we would be delighted to publish.