Technical Water pipe

[AutoCruiseK334]

Is the metal pipe that runs from the water pump along the back of the engine under the manifold secured at any point and if so, where?

 

[Mike1alike]

Yes, normally that metal pipe is supported. On many Fiat engines there is a small bracket on the pipe that bolts to the engine block (usually with a single bolt) roughly along the run of the pipe under the manifold. Its purpose is just to support the pipe and prevent vibration. If the bracket or bolt is missing, the pipe can move quite a bit.

 

[Mike1alike]

This is a picture of the pipe on my Punto, you can see the bracket. Doblo shouldn't be much different.

 

[AutoCruiseK334]

Thank you for the prompt reply.
I have dropped the engine from its o/s and n/s mounting points but can not find the fixing point.
I really do not want to remove the manifold.

 

[Mike1alike]

If you’ve lowered the engine and still can’t see the fixing point, it’s possible that the support bracket on the pipe has broken off or the pipe has been replaced previously with one missing the tab. The bracket is normally welded to the pipe itself.
If that tab is gone, the usual fix would be replacing the pipe, as the new one should include the support bracket. Otherwise the pipe can vibrate or put stress on the hose connections.

 

[AutoCruiseK334]

Hi, the pipe seems quite solid and looking at various diagrams, the fixing point should be towards the thermostat end. I have used mirrors behind the manifold but still can't find a fixing bracket.

 

[Mike1alike]

Yes, it's exactly towards that end!
Screw is under pipe, bracket goes down. It's there, but well hidden.

 

[Mike1alike]

Look, there it is. You can see it in pics

 

[AutoCruiseK334]

Many thanks for your help but that is a different pipe layout to the one I have.
On the 8144.21 engine it is a straight metal pipe fitted to the water pump with two studs + nuts and a short 90° rubber tube to the thermostat housing. This is a picture of the pipe I should have and it shows a fitting of some sort near the "B".
Will investigate further tomorrow.

 

[Mike1alike]

I see. Means that's it, yours is different. Sorry for saying otherwise.
Yours have the supporting point there next to water pump with the 2 nuts and screws. Mine doesn't have that, mine has just bracket and 1 screw to engine block.
We find out something new every day!

 

[AutoCruiseK334]

Update.
The fixing nut I was trying to find is buried between the engine block and the exhaust.
I was hoping to release this nut to slide the water pipe off the waterpump studs to change a leaking gasket.
Plan B.
Not wishing to disturb the exhaust manifold and exhaust pipe work, I have removed the waterpump (nightmare of a job) just to replace this small gasket.

 

[Mike1alike]

Update.
The fixing nut I was trying to find is buried between the engine block and the exhaust.

Yes, I see now the bracket on pipe in your picture above. It's under up corner of letter 'B' from BIRTH.

Plan B.
Not wishing to disturb the exhaust manifold and exhaust pipe work, I have removed the waterpump (nightmare of a job) just to replace this small gasket.

But... thats impossible. Good gasket is 2 layers rubber with metal layer inside and it's double, sits over the pipes end, inside and outside of pipe.
You will never be able to put that on and be in working condition with pipe in situ.
Bracket supporting bolt is easy. You just need proper tools to get to it. It is a 10 mm screw. Socket extension bar and a U-joint works great to get the bolt off and put it in sgain.
Important bit there is to lubricate the gasket so it doesn't get broken znd dnter all the way in, otherwise is a real struggle for screwing the bolt back in with bracket hole not aligned.
As I said, absolutely no chance in getting the gasket on with pipe sitting in.

 

[AutoCruiseK334]

Unfortunately it was this layout and the gasket I am replacing. The waterpump has studs attached and nuts to hold the pipe.

 

[jackwhoo]

this thread is in the fiat doblo section and didn't state engine type early on (i think the op has some sort of ducato based vehicle) which has lead to much confusion.