Electric water pump b-s?

[myk02k]

Hey, my water pump went 3 days ago and was already replaced. I did think of getting an electric water pump, but after thinking of how it works, i decided not to.

First off, it claims to gain HP by taking stress off the serpentine belt. The friction caused from the water pump is removed, hence causing the energy to be utilized on the flywheel than serpentine belt. Understandable gains, so far.

Here's where I began to think, thanks to Chemistry class. Energy is energy, and the water pump uses mechanical energy. By using an electric water pump, it needs to convert mechanical to electric energy, then back to mechanical in the pump. Any conversion of energy has its drawbacks. For example, your car has a 40% loss of energy when it converts chemical (gas) to mechanical energy (wheels moving). The loss produces heat energy (which is why we have a coolant system in the first place). Considering our water pump will convert energy numerous times, won't the alternator compsensate for the water pump to create this energy (and the loss of)?

Another thing is electrical water pumps don't seem to reliable as compared to the traditional mechanical pump. For anyone who hasn't lost me, anyone agree with my theory?

[hammertime]

From this link

You can figure 1 hp draw per 25 amps (12 volt) at maximum output.

Summit's specs for the Meziere pump is 10 Amps. I'm guessing this isn't an exact conversion, but the simple math says that it would take .4 HP to power the alternator. The Meziere Site says is more like 11-12 amps under normal conditions. But thats still .5 HP to drive the pump, in exchange for the 5-7 you might get from it.

But you're right, there is no such thing as free lunch. I'd guess that so much energy is being wasted in heat lost through the radiator and out the tailpipe, that it doesn't matter.

[wesTXwitesnake05]

[QUOTE=hammertime]From this link
But thats still .5 HP to drive the pump, in exchange for the 5-7 you might get from it.
QUOTE]


yeah and that 5-7 hp costs around $570.00

[hammertime]

yeah and that 5-7 hp costs around $570.00

Yes, way too much for what you get. You get a lot better bang for the buck from a lid.

I'd never put an electric pump on a street driven car.

[MrMiracle]

You could probably get a similar effect, and at less cost, from an underdrive pully.