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Can anyone tell me if Wessex Workshops are still in business? The telephone number I have for them is ‘unobtainable’ and I’ve not had any luck with emails. I have a Wessex water pump with ceramic seal. This has given good service for more than 10 years but is now leaking so am looking for a replacement seal.
Alternatively, does anybody have a part number or original application for this seal? Industry standard ceramic seals (mechanical water pump seals) are readily available (see link to Vulcan seals below). The seal Wessex have used in their modified pump is very similar to a Type 75 1/2” mechanical seal, the rotating element dimensions are identical and the O/D of the fixed element (that houses the spring and bellows) looks correct. HOWEVER, the I/D of the bellows is larger (the Wessex one is about 3/8” rather than 1/2” – though this wouldn’t be a problem) and more critically the spring is stronger and projects the seal further out of the housing (about 15mm as opposed to about 10mm for the Wessex). Hence I’m wondering if Wessex used a vehicle specific pump seal rather than an industry standard type.
There are no end of water pump seals listed on the ‘interweb’ (e.g. for motorcycles and domestic/commercial water pumps) but unfortunately without dimensions.
https://www.vulcanseals.com/sub-category-product/water-pump-mechanical-seals
……Neil Richardson (R5, 2-litre supercharged)
To answer your question … I tried to contact Wessex Workshops last year, as I knew of their expertise in windscreen frames, and my V12’s screen top rail was discovered to have multiple fatigue cracks (unreal). Typically, I discovered they had ceased trading a couple of months before. Whilst we respect firms that make such products, it would be really helpful if they specified what wear-prone parts they have used, so that one can source those should that be necessary.
Laurence
Thank you Laurence. I feared this might be the case. As you say, very frustrating that details of parts likely to wear are not provided. I’m on the case though and will post my findings here (eventually – it may take a while!). Re: your cracked windscreen frame, have you tried Chris Glover at Brasscraft near Farnham, Surrey (www.brasscraft.co.uk)? Chris has made two screen frames for me over the years. The first for an MG F-type and then for my 2-litre. Both superb. This was some years ago but last time I checked he was still in business.
You’re welcome. Might be worth contacting Mr Jones (Alun) advertising a 2 Litre on this site, recall he was the proprietor, or at least involved with, Wessex Workshops.
Thanks, but top rail already remade, by Western Coachworks, handy as they were close to Derby Plating, which saved logistical issues.
Laurence
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