Double Decker Bus Restoration | Water Pump Fail on a Routemaster Bus

How to maintain a vintage London Routemaster double decker bus.
Built in the 1960's our AEC Routemaster London buses need constant attention, so if you want to find out what it takes to keep a London Routemaster bus on the road then make sure you check-out all our maintenance and restoration videos here on KZbin...
Filmed in the UK at the Routemaster 4 Hire HQ in Wrexham, North Wales we are passionate about London buses and with 7 vintage buses in the fleet we defiantly have our work cut out!
In this episode we have to replace a leaky water pump on our open-top Routemaster RM1783, but this is not the first time we have had to do this on this bus!
Also don't forget to check-out all our AEC Routemaster London bus restoration videos in this playlist...
• London Bus Restoration...
About Us:
We offer our London buses for private hire.
We are proud to have the privilege of owning one of London’s most recognisable sights - the iconic London Routemaster Double Decker Bus!
Our beautifully restored red London double-decker buses are available for Weddings and Special Events across North Wales and the Northwest UK, they add some nostalgic novelty and a touch of class to any occasion.
For more information, please visit our website: www.routemaster4hire.co.uk
#londonbus #routemaster #routemaster4hire #restoration

[@bilshatri1]

Hi Dave and Tim, Whoever is overhauling your water pumps are probably making two mistakes. First, when installing the gland, they could be touching the carbon surfaces. This cannot happen, it causes leaks every time. Secondly, they could be using inferior glands which has a weak spring inside. Two things that spring's hate is heat and water 😁. When the engine raises the temperature, the weak spring cannot keep the pressure on the gland brass to carbon surface. What I would recommend in future is. When performing your maintenance schedule, pressurize the cooling system to 20psi. This will check any water leaks and any weak water pump failures and prevent any breakdowns. I hope this helps with any future leaks. Regards Billy Hutch

[@johnmichaeldorienjohn467]

Wow ..5 water pumps! The company should be hauled across the coals for crappy workmanship! Still keep up the excellent content 👌!

[@Mountain-Man-3000]

OMG the coolant going back and forth was hilarious!

[@richarddecoster4464]

Really enjoy the bloopers at the end. Lol 😆 🤣 😂

[@petersmith4455]

hi, as an ex AEC employee i am glad you are keeping the 690s going, i remember as an apprentice in 1971 assembling water pumps for 760 and 505 engines on the engine assembly tracks, who are the clowns who serviced your pumps,look in to it and get a refund, its not up to AEC standards,you could fit a temperature gauge in by putting a sensor in the rear cyl head blanking plate,thats what we did with the 760s and 505s,

[@Routemaster4Hire]

Hi Peter. We have fitted water temp gauges on ALL our AEC buses exactly as you suggested. Thank god we did as these have saved at least 2 engines.

[@johnkenyon1532]

Someone else must be able to refurbish those water pumps properly. Another great film.

[@shanerountree3623]

Just discovered this channel, love seeing the work done to any old vehicle (and love working on them myself too!). As you went into the update at around the 20 minute mark and described starting with the water pump, then the water manifold, and about the exhaust manifold painting the words "project creep" came to my mind..... ( and experiencing it myself right now too...) Keep those old buses on the road and the videos coming!

[@rishithkunar7907]

I just love watching these videos especially this one with the water pump I love what the sound that the water makes and yes this company should be ashamed of their poor workmanship with these pumps I can’t believe five water pumps have failed on your route master bus look at the extra good work hope to see more videos soon your biggest supporter well done Tim well done Lord Darlington well done David 👍

[@davidbarnes7]

Hi all at your workshop, it just wanted to say how much I've enjoyed watching your videos! I passed my PSV driving test in September 1971, and worked for the then Eastern National bus company, driving Bristol busses. Kind regards Dave Barnes.

[@Routemaster4Hire]

Hi Dave, thanks for your message and I'm glad you have enjoyed our all videos so far. We have much more to come so make sure you subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes...

[@izalman]

Great video, would have been nice to see a stripped pump and see what was wrong in detail.

[@RumblerGaming]

The irony talking about how the water pump is alright for now but at 26:30 there's a leak hahahaha!

[@sammydingdong4540]

Interesting video ,I hope you had some strong words with the guys who made these pumps

[@nigelstringfellow5187]

Great video ,and by the way your theme song is awesome, it's very catchy and stays in your head all day.Cheer's.

[@bigblocklawyer]

I've restored cars professionally for nearly 40 years, and repaired hundreds of personal or friends' cars over that time. My limit for sticking with a rebuilt part or dealing with a rebuilder for a part (for originals that have markings for originality purposes,) is two. One pump, maybe. Two pumps, I'm done. Third and subsequent...don't bitch.

[@davidrogerbinnyi2573]

Great video as usual ..

[@cargy930]

I'm already at the "oh good!" stage when I see a new video from you guys. I switched from driving buses into to the aftersales side of the motor trade in the early 90s. So I get the double enjoyment of the appeal of the classic buses and the exposure to the earthy camaraderie of the workshop environment. Guys, you may not believe this, but I'm jealous!

[@andrewsnoozy]

So, you work at the same speed as I do, but isn't it fun. Those old British buses were so beautifully made, no wonder they lasted so long.

[@sauce3memes832]

I love doing water pumps it’s a good job to do

[@optroncordian7863]

I like how the engine sounds. That is a properly sounding diesel engine!

[@Renownvidz]

We had a similar issue with a 760 powered Routemester which we used to maintain for a well known drinks company. We fitted three and then lost their business as they believed it was some error on our part!

[@Routemaster4Hire]

Without mentioning any names, do you think you could have used the same company as us?

[@mikecollings6889]

Another great video... waiting for the next one👍

[@Routemaster4Hire]

Thanks 👍

[@ScrotusXL]

I love this channel 🤣😂😅👍

[@kristinajendesen7111]

I was driving one in service on the No 7s to North Acton when the engine overheated. No temperature gauge in the cab of course which I always thought was an unusual oversight.

[@andrewthomas7129]

Hi Dave. Great video. I hope you get some recompense for all those pumps. Congratulations on over 3k subscribers ! How's the merchandise coming on ? I want to be the first customer for some mugs ! All the best, Andrew

[@Routemaster4Hire]

Hi Andrew. Glad you enjoyed the latest video, and yes where did 3k subscribers come from?? We have not contacted the company concerned! Will get round to sorting the merchandise soon.

[@wacholder5690]

Filming the "serious waterpump issue": with those friends you don't need any enemies additionally ... :-) Good laughs however. Thanks for sharing. And I haven't failed to notice the very low to non-existant numbers of dislikes for your videos. So you did a good job on that as well. It's always a fun to watch.

[@Routemaster4Hire]

Thank you, yes our videos seem to be well received.

[@johng.lidstone2236]

great video. Never laughed so much at a bus maintenance video as to the end of this one with your out-takes. Well done guys.

[@Routemaster4Hire]

Thanks John, glad we made you laugh.

[@johng.lidstone2236]

@@Routemaster4Hire there’s so much politics and cliquey argy-bargy around in the preservation movement - what comes over here is a very good camaraderie. You present a video extremely well - also very sensible tips on safety. You also show very well an insight which I’m sure many will find helpful. To do that with out-takes is very original - and as I say you had me roaring with laughter at 3am in the morning - and that’s a first for a bus video. And your RMs look superbly presented, something I like to praise. It’s concerning that precious parts are being poorly overhauled and despatched too, you’re good to point that out. As you say a few drips on tickover can lead to an overheated engine so easily - but at least with an RM it’s by you so any good driver will smell and feel if there’s a problem before any drastic failure occurs hopefully. Well done all round, thanks for your comment - now subscribed and will watch your other videos with much interest! Best wishes.

[@jacksugden8190]

Excellent 👌

[@Routemaster4Hire]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@jacksugden8190]

@@Routemaster4Hire 👍

[@davidbarnes7]

Hi, I have just been watching your vid where you paint the wheels. Most impressed by the finish, and your attention to detail. Smart Wheels always make any vehicle smart. I would be interested to know more about the paint you use, if ok with you? Kind regards Dave Barnes

[@Big.Al.3]

Another great Video. Do enjoy watching you lads at work. Don't think you have enough tea breaks.......should be one an hour.

[@Routemaster4Hire]

Don't say that, it takes us long enough to get thing done as it is!! 😀

[@Big.Al.3]

@@Routemaster4Hire if a job worth doing. Do it well with plenty of tea. ☕☕☕

[@PegasoLuigi]

I really enjoy your videos! I am just a little worried about the dog licking cooling water at minute 6:00! Is he all right? Greetings from Barcelona!

[@knk3220]

Catching all the coolant from the routemaster is like to pee at correct position without dipping your shoes, but another way round. Anyway, nice video as always!

[@adriangiddins6065]

Good video....be interested to know what the errant company thinks about the constant failures.....and have you found another,possibly better one ??

[@simonipswich]

Personally I would name and shame the company.

[@jamesfrench7299]

I've heard a 505 with a removed exhaust. Sounded horrible when idling but excellent when revving at 1500!

[@nsrnsr1987]

Jeez you guys must go through a lot of tea bags haha good work though guys

[@Routemaster4Hire]

We sure do!! Thanks for watching.

[@chilledoutpaul]

All that and not an air ratchet or gun in sight just old school, I am also a qualified mechanic and I also prefer spanners, sockets & ratchets than air or power tools. I only use to use air tools if I had too; my boss hated me lol, Anyway you have a fantastic channel and I am already subscribed.

[@kevinwoodruff8994]

Hi guys another great video what a nightmare having to take the alternator out just to change the water pump. She sounds lovely when you started her up. You said no more leekes I did notice underneath spots of oil on the floor or is that from another vehicle. 👍

[@Routemaster4Hire]

Thanks Kevin. I think the oil you spotted was possibly from another bus, that said the open topper does have a small leak from the crankshaft oil seal.

[@kevinwoodruff8994]

@@Routemaster4Hire I did wonder if the oil was from another bus keep up the good work. you are a great bunch of guys and thanks for keeping these buses alive they all look in prestige condition and sound fantastic well done all of you. Love the bloopers 👍👌

[@leejones5849]

Hello guys thank you for another video very enjoyable and thank you for the outtakes at the end certainly made me laugh. The open topper that you was working on how many owners has it had since leaving LT before you brought it? How many RMs do you have in your fleet?

[@Routemaster4Hire]

Hi Lee, glad you enjoyed the new episode. We have 5 Routemasters in the fleet - RM471, RM765, RM1214, RM1783 and RM2213. The open topper had the following owners between LT and us acquiring the vehicle in 2014 (info as per Ian Bus Stop)... 1986 converted to open-top at Aldenham 1986 Sold to Liverpool Flower Festival 1992 Privatised to London Coaches 1998 Bought by Bath Bus Co 2004 Bought by Western Greyhound 2012 Bought by R.Dunkley in Croydon 2013 Bought by Willow Catering in Liverpool 2014 Us

[@leejones5849]

@@Routemaster4Hire thank you for your reply it’s nice to know the history of the bus. I look forward to your next video take care stay safe guys.

[@johndavis1465]

would of been nice if you explained the water pump leak problem gasket or barings ?

[@warweezil2802]

Still love the sound of an AEC in song, taught myself to drive trucks with AEC Mercury, Mandator oh and one Marshall that had been cut down to an artic, when I helped out unloading, folding sheets and washing trucks as a weekend job when I was a teenager Modern engines just sound so “soulless” just as modern buses lack character and a feeling of robustness, but then the re-engineered RMs operating in central London in the 90s never sounded right, and the reworked interiors didn’t seem as durable as the original either. Is that a DMS I see in the background @ around 3 mins? Wearing an OJD registration? Also during the water draining visible is the rear aspect of what looks similar to an RT also in the background.

[@Routemaster4Hire]

Chris, the bus with the OJD reg in the background is a BL and yes the other you have spotted is an RT. Check out our Drive It Day video to see the BL out on the road... kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3y2gmaMgZyVms0

[@alexeatonexploresamerica5511]

NEW SUBSCRIBER HERE 😀

[@mediocre-motorcycle-modifi6818]

I'm interested to know how the pumps fail? Do they all fail in the same way? What part of them leaks?

[@BobSmith-ui4qu]

What’s with that tire(tyre)? In Canada, we use tire.

[@andyclark1426]

Now I’m wondering if it’s a company that’s starts with an A and the name means a union formed for mural benefit?? I’ve had a few faulty parts off them over the years

[@alexeatonexploresamerica5511]

I HOPE YOU GUYS ARE USEING COOLANT 50 50 MIX

[@bryanmclean5128]

I'm.thinking of buying my own RM, would you guys offer an inspection service on Any prospective purchases. Where are you based and how would I get in contact with you.

[@dazzlerbob1870]

So I take it, now you can change the water pump with your eyes closed? Great Video.

[@Routemaster4Hire]

Afraid so 🙄

[@cliffordjones7213]

As a ex London transport mechanic From the 1970s I’m sure that when changing the water pumps on aec engines we used to sit on top of the engine and do everything from topside in about an hour , leyland engined rm’s were a different matter no room to swing a cat.

[@Routemaster4Hire]

Hi Clifford, you're more than likely referring to changing a fuel pump as these are fitted to the side of the block and accessible from leaning over the wing or indeed sitting on the top of the engine? Water pumps are on the opposite side of the block, pretty much under the cab floor.

[@cliffordjones7213]

@@Routemaster4Hire I was referring to the water pump not fuel pump , and on occasions I know you had to lever the engine block away from the cab to gain access to remove the pump but it was possible and a lot quicker than dropping from underneath with all the hassle of dropping the alternator. Don’t forget in the 60s and 70s to do it your way the mechanic would have been waiting for the coach fitter to remover the wing and the electrician to drop the alternator,therefore a alternative way not involving them was often found for lots of engineering work especially if it was done on overtime.I only did one or two before we were converted over to DMS so the memories have to go back 50 + years but as far as I can remember that is correct.

[@sheiladunk7583]

Hi, it’s roly can you tell me how changing from an AEC engine to a Cummins effects the gear ratios to the back axle, and is it a big job?

[@Routemaster4Hire]

Hi Roly, you cant change the gear ratios in a RM gearbox and yes its a very big job to change the engine.

[@sheiladunk7583]

@@Routemaster4Hire thank you for that.looking forward to the next video 😀👍

[@jamesfrench7299]

Terrible they had to be fitted in the first place. At least a nicer sounding transplant would have been good.

[@mikedalt3622]

I couldn’t work with you guys I’d be weeing like a race horse all them brews

[@michaelstaley2241]

Didn’t the company concerned offer any guarantees on their work? Definitely wouldn’t use this company again very frustrating for you. excellent content.😎

[@kbrickell4732]

Why no overhaul the pump your selves ?? I have done AEC 680, &690 engines bus gear boxes Steering boxes starters and alternators, fuel injection equipment and fluid flywheels, all air braking system units

[@rrazvanell]

Is it too late to say that at mark 26:29 there's a drop of coolant falling to the floor ?

[@Routemaster4Hire]

It was coming out of a hose - I hope!!

[@michigandon]

I don't think I would have went back to the same outfit for even a second or third pump, let alone a fifth! Unless, of course, they have a monopoly on this particular niche.

[@eliotheasman5378]

Hi is that your dog if what is he or she called many thanks Eliot

[@youtubeisawesome2487]

anaerobic sealer (permatex 51813) instead of the paper gaskets, get the rebuilt kit and do it yourself they arent that hard, check the radiator cap for the vacuum side working (not plugged)

[@delwynhobbs3548]

Name and Shame them. I am sick of incompetent 'Garages' so I do all my own work now.

[@danielmeakin6472]

Hello everyone

[@jonniejam-shovel6405]

Hi Daniel.

[@laurajane7452]

Hello

[@jonniejam-shovel6405]

@@laurajane7452 Hi.

[@danielmeakin6472]

@@jonniejam-shovel6405 hello

[@danielmeakin6472]

@@laurajane7452 hi

[@markmooch]

Is anyone from your garage actually Welsh!?

[@Routemaster4Hire]

Yes both Tim and Alan are Welsh.

[@2271graham]

Name and SHAME this company Dave so we can avoid them like the plague if we need any work done on the water pump of our Leyland-engined RMF.

[@Routemaster4Hire]

Graham, I won't publicly name this company, but if you are ever in the situation where you need to get your pump overhauled give me a call and I will tell you who to avoid!!

[@kevin46942]

Hi water pumps should be made from Titanium it will never leak again.

[@edwardbarnes2702]

Is the chocolate digestives to hell plug the leaks!

[@Routemaster4Hire]

After changing 5 pumps I'm willing to give anything a try!! But to be honest I think they're best suited filling holes in stomachs!! 😀😀

[@edwardbarnes2702]

@@Routemaster4Hire love the reply.

[@johngraves2755]

5 pumps in 12 months! You don't need bolts you need velcro. Chocolate digestives , dunk em in a cuppa nice ....

[@big500]

5 failed water pumps from the same company? I’d have given up on them after the 2nd failure🤪🤪

[@TheFlyingBusman]

How frustratingly annoying. There was a certain ‘engineering’ company refurbishing RM slack adjusters. Only the slack adjusters needed slack adjusters! I hope suitable words have been exchanged and you have got a refund.

[@alanhunter2051]

That is quite a imbalance on the engine 19 min. injector 2 or 3 is needing cleaned or replaced if cant be taken back. Its a total ball ackee to replace a unit and find the new recon is just as gubbed.

[@wdobni]

really couldn't see anything in this video.....the only thing visible was the paint spraying portion.....water pump removal/install was completely obscured

[@Ikaruszaki]

I hope Jess knows not to lap up the engine coolant!

[@Routemaster4Hire]

She does!!

[@cav551]

You can't turn a pig's ear into a silk purse. When the casings, gears, impeller etc are knackered the thing is scrap.

[@suzyqualcast6269]

They used to talk like that at Southall depot .... 💦

[@jonka1]

Is there no alternative to the firm who are consuming your time and money via the medium of substandard water pump repairs? Could you do the repairs yourself?

[@regtimmins1944]

Why keep using the same company and simply reabuild it your self thank you and looking forward to hearing from you

[@HappyfoxBiz]

Classic English... come in for a fluid change, should take 30 minutes, end up with a reconditioned engine that takes 3 days

[@Routemaster4Hire]

Yep, that's typical. One small job quite often leads to another bigger job. But that's what happens when you play with large vintage vehicles I guess.

[@mazdarx7887]

It's not good that you don't actually name the company that did the overhaul. The name needs to get around so other owners don't make the same purchase

[@busesinnottingham3369]

That bus pissing is disturbing

[@brickleyyard4966]

You shotake them to court for Losses of revenue or something and publicly name and shame them

[@bgdavenport]

Your vehicles don't leak? Hardly seems British.

[@MrGerryoc]

Full me once shame on you call me five times time for a new water pump company