Electric power steering pump replacement

[martin]

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mjheathcote wrote:

Quite simple, kids.

With a 1 and 5 year old we have all been out in the Stag on a relative long journey where having the hood up is the only option while on fast A roads and M roads and its been quite unbearably hot!

There's no question, air-con is a brilliant idea, even on a convertible, (see BMW etc.) but adding a system to a Stag that didn't have it in the first place is impossibly complex, to start with, you're going to lose a lot of engine cooling area. I wish you luck but I won't be betting on success. Martin.

[mjheathcote]

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When you actually look at the original A/C system the Stag was optionally fitted with, it was very complex with lots of vacuum pipes and even then the option of having dehumidified air with the heater was not possible I don't believe.

In the early 90'd I had an Alfa Romeo 33 Permanent 4 with A/C. It was not working when I bought the car but I got it re-commissioned...The system was so simple it was untrue. The relay for engaging the compressor was a fridge stat! Just as well as Alfa Romeo UK had no record of an A/C 33 ever being sold in the UK and could not supply any spares even though details where on microfinch for LHD models!

So in the simplest form you have a switch to turn the system on, which turns on the electric fans mounted on the condensors, and the fridge stat disengages the compressor when the evaporatorgets too cold. A safety switch to turn off the system if too high/low pressure in the system.

Like most things, when you look into it, its quite simple really.

Don't hold your breath, but watch this space....

[Andy Rundell]

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I agree , the system really is pretty simple, main components plus plumbing, i'v often thought of going down this path, plenty of cars to try and raid parts off these days as well.

...........Andy

[GTJones]

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These guys do a kit for the TR6 so i am sure A/C can be fitted, it was an option offered originalj

http://www.claytoncc.co.uk/index.php...&Itemid=37

Gary

[mjheathcote]

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I've spoken to Claytons at the NEC about the Stag, untapped market and all that.

[mjheathcote]

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Been searchingfor a while for a decent Mercedes A class PAS pump...found one on ebay at last

Watch this space

[martin]

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Good luck mate, let us know how you get on. Martin.

[Pommie Stag]

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mjheathcote wrote:

When you actually look at the original A/C system the Stag was optionally fitted with, it was very complex with lots of vacuum pipes and even then the option of having dehumidified air with the heater was not possible I don't believe.

In the early 90'd I had an Alfa Romeo 33 Permanent 4 with A/C. It was not working when I bought the car but I got it re-commissioned...The system was so simple it was untrue. The relay for engaging the compressor was a fridge stat! Just as well as Alfa Romeo UK had no record of an A/C 33 ever being sold in the UK and could not supply any spares even though details where on microfinch for LHD models!

So in the simplest form you have a switch to turn the system on, which turns on the electric fans mounted on the condensors, and the fridge stat disengages the compressor when the evaporatorgets too cold. A safety switch to turn off the system if too high/low pressure in the system.

Like most things, when you look into it, its quite simple really.

Don't hold your breath, but watch this space....

My Old girl was fitted with Air con from day one BUT not factory.

Its a very simple solution compressor where your alternator is mine is still under slung. A dryer on N/S turret and the pipe then go through the bulkhead into the car. There is a condenser rad in front of the engine rad with an new big Craig Davies fan on it.

Avery simple crude rotary temp sensor inside car under dash and it looks to me like a completely standard heater from the stag with a condenser squeezed in with two drain's that go out through the transmission tunnel. where the pipes exit it looks as though this may be where the original factory unit drained.

The system only vents from the unclosing centre section and not out onto the windscreen or foot area. By modern standards itsnot as goodbut it does work and over here it is a big help in Summer with the hood up!!

Here is a pic of the heater box and pipes and where they enter.

Cheers Nige'

[mjheathcote]

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...and thats what I am looking at doing, squeezing an evaporator next to the heater matrix. Nice and simple.

[GDPR]

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I'm looking at an electric power steering conversion for my MGB and possibly my 2 litre Vitesse, based on the MGF EPAS setup.

This system uses a manual rack and has a motor and torque sensor built into the column, with an external ECU.

Fitting appears to be mostly down to how much room you have under the dash, and what you can do at the top end to make the cowlings and switchgear look like the original car.

These systems have a speed input as well from the speedo sensor, so are variable weight/assistance - this can be substituted by a 5 quid square wave generator and a knob on the dash to adjust your steering to preferred weight.

All the bits can be bought for less than £100 secondhand, but I'm not sure they would be man enough for the Stag, but would be fine on a small chassis Triumph, and as soon as the MG is back from the paint shop, I shall start measuring up - got to be cheaper than the £1000 option from the MGOC....

Russ

[DJT]

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kryten wrote:

I'm looking at an electric power steering conversion for my MGB and possibly my 2 litre Vitesse, based on the MGF EPAS setup.

This system uses a manual rack and has a motor and torque sensor built into the column, with an external ECU.

Fitting appears to be mostly down to how much room you have under the dash, and what you can do at the top end to make the cowlings and switchgear look like the original car.

These systems have a speed input as well from the speedo sensor, so are variable weight/assistance - this can be substituted by a 5 quid square wave generator and a knob on the dash to adjust your steering to preferred weight.

All the bits can be bought for less than £100 secondhand, but I'm not sure they would be man enough for the Stag, but would be fine on a small chassis Triumph, and as soon as the MG is back from the paint shop, I shall start measuring up - got to be cheaper than the £1000 option from the MGOC....

Russ

And then you can market a kit.............

Dave

[GDPR]

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You have to be joking Dave - think of the product liability on a steering component!!!!

It would be bad enough being sued with a melted piston from say a faulty carb installation, but the court case from a steering failure would bankrupt you....

Besides, I'm really not into making trinkets for the lazy - I'd help out with ideas but that's where it'd have to stop....

I might also claim copyright in case anyone else on here decides to market a kit - not that anyone from this forum would claim and market someone elses idea for profit, would they..... surely not.........wouldn't be cricket

[Westfaling]

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The MG Owners Club offer electric (and hydraulic) PAS systems for MGBs. One of these might be adaptable to the Stag.
nick

[Peter Hills]

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Guys,

The MGOC offer mechanical or electric hydraulic pumps for their MGB power steering kits. As far as I know, only the MGF and MGTF use fully electric power steering.

On the other subject of kids in the back and air conditioning, one could use rear side screens - either hard-top rear windows or Bosscreen's custom made bits - to stop the kids being blown about, They are really very effective. PM me if you want more details.

Peter

[GDPR]

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Thanks Nick, I know about them - but at £1000 and £1200 respectively for the kits that is far too much money, considering we're currently spending £3.5k having the front end straightened and the back end blown over to match the new front paint. Then I have to go to work on the interior......

The MGOC use a LHD rack from some small French car I believe, and install the rack upside down as the steering arms are in front of the kingpin. Choice is then for a belt driven hydraulic pump or electro hydraulic.......

There are a few cars that use column electric assistance, including the MGF and the Vauxhall Corsa, and the spares to make up a system can be bought very reasonably from breakers.

I believe there is a company marketing a kit to fit PAS to Mk1 and 2 Escorts, and for kit car constructors based on the Corsa EPS, but as far as I know, no-one has had a go at fitting column assistance to a B yet, plus if it all works out I shall have a punt at PAS on my Vitesse as it's pretty heavy with a 13" steering wheel.

As far as the side screens Peter mentions, I did a thread on this a couple of years ago with guidance..

http://stagownersclub.mywowbb.com/view_topic.php?id=1481&forum_id=1&highlight=hardtop+side+windows