Return to the BUILD
“Add the water pump and pipes then fix the auxiliary air pipe in place by following these step-by-step instructions.”
This issue covers the top of the engine block and related cooling systems. It also includes a pair of simple tweezers.
Contents
Parts
Materials: In this issue, the Engine Top is metal, but the rest of the parts are plastic.
Tools
- Tweezers
Magazine
- Drive Time: Model Instructions
- Production Diary: Returning To Familiar Locations
- Doc’s Domain: The Two Houses of Doc’s Mansion
- A Time Traveler’s Guide: The Cherry Red Gibson
Build
In this month’s shipment, as in previous issues, I chose to paint all of the screw heads that would be visible with Tamiya XF-56 Metallic Grey paint. This includes four (4) AM screws in this issue, eight (8) AP and two (2) DM screws from Issue 21, and eight (8) AP and one (1) MM screw from Issue 22.
Fitting The Water Pump, Hoses, And Pipes
Step 1
Fasten the Water Pump to the Water Hoses with one (1) AP screw:
Step 2a
Push the ends of the Water Hoses into the Engine Top aligning the tab on the left as shown.
The Water Pump should hang off the end of the Engine Top like this:
Step 2b
Turn the assembly over and fasten these parts together with two (2) AP screws:
Step 3
Flip the assembly back upright, insert the Water Distribution Pipes onto the peg of the Water Pump, and fasten with three (3) AM screws.
This is your friendly reminder to try using 3-in-One Oil on all screws going into metal:
Fitting The Auxiliary Air Pipe
On the real DeLorean, this Auxiliary Air Pipe is called the Cold Start Valve. The lower section is typically brass-colored and there is a light blue collar at the top. Therefore, I painted the lower bit with Model Master Acrylic 4672 Brass and the collar with Tamiya X-14 Sky Blue to match:
Step 1
Fix the Auxiliary Air Pipe into position with one (1) AM screw.
There was a key to get this aligned correctly. I have heard some builders were unable to tighten this part down all the way. But, as with all metal screws I use, I pre-threaded this one into the hole first and removed it. Then, the part attached just fine:
Step 2
Attach the Pipe to the upper peg on the Auxiliary Air Pipe.
The instructions incorrectly mention using two (2) AM screws here, but screws are not needed. If this does not stay on, a little touch of glue will help:
Thoughts
Another big chunk of the engine complete! I am still happy with my choice to paint all the exposed screw heads. Black screws really detract from the look and it is a simple fix.
Next Up
Issue 20 – Engine: Intake Manifold
Painting the screws is a great idea. I’ll be doing the same on my build. Did you prime the screws? If so, what primer did you use?
I do not prime the screws. I was concerned that just a coat of paint may be damaged while screwing them in, but this has not been the case.
That’s exectly why I asked this. Thanks!
As for painting the screws, they definitely look a lot better with a metallic color. I just simply used a metallic silver Sharpie, it’s super simple and looks perfect. I usually screw them in halfway to their socket, so it’s easy to hold them steady and paint their heads around, no need to hold with my other hands. Once they are dry, I unscrew them and attach the piece.