1947 14 P2 Coolant and fuel pump questions

[DaveHRov14P2]

Hello all, I have recently purchased a 1947 Rover 14 P2 saloon, previously restored to a high standard in the mid 90's. it has been stored and never moved in the last 15 years, so for me it's a complete recommissioning job, here's the first two of what I am sure will be many questions.

1. I have drained, what remained of the original coolant / antifreeze, it was surprising clean and free of rust residue, and also water flushed the cooling circuit. i am considering using "waterless" cooling, which I have no experience of. As anyone any experience/ thoughts/ comments on the use of "waterless" coolant in the P2 14 straight six engine.

2. I see that the mechanical fuel pump has been taken out of circuit and replaced by an electric pump under the rear seat close to the fuel tank. Was this, and still is, a recommended modification.

Thanks for the help and regards

[47p2]

Hi Dave, welcome to the forum. The electric fuel pump is a popular modification for these cars. https://burlen.co.uk are the people to speak to if you have any queries about this system

[David2021]

Was the electric pump not specified for export P2’s? My tourer was destined for export, but sold to UK market & has one on the scuttle with a manifold heat shield. Near the tank sounds better to avoid vaporising ( probably not a problem with 1947 fuel! Very low octane)
Yours will be a “push” type pump I imagine ? There may be a tag on the pump that will identify it. If it ain’t broke……

[rgburlend]

The electric pump is a very good idea indeed for one reason in particular, the original engine mounted mechanical fuel pump is conveniently located in a very hot part of the engine bay behind the radiator and underneath the exhaust manifold. It is connected to the carb via copper pipes and many people found that when you stop say to refuel with a hot engine, the fuel rapidly vaporises and the car can be very difficult to restart.

I too have mounted an electric (actually an electronic) SU fuel pump from a Jaguar under the rear seat and it has proved to be very reliable and hot restarts are not a problem at all. I have rerouted my fuel pipes as far as possible from the exhaust and replaced the flexibles with PTFE lined stainless steel braided hoses from a local hydraulics company. I have also fitted a glass bowl fuel filter before the carburettors as well as an additional precaution.

As for coolant, I am not sure about waterless coolants in open systems, but i have used the modern OAT coolant in my car and was rewarded with coolant that came out ofter two years the same colour as it went in. I know these aren't recommended for older cars, but i did come basic non scientific corrosion tests against the Rovers cooling systems materials and noticed no adverse effects over 12 months.