Mike,
As you know, the Rover 3.5/3.9 and based on the
Buick 215, so the timing cover and waterpump interchange. As you found out, the
Buick water pump bolts up, but is shorter and has a very different flange for
the pulley.
I have both Buick and Olds engines, as well as the
Rover variants, including a 3.5 in my '80 TR8. Unfortunately, you do need to use
the Rover water pump unless you exchange out the entire accessory drive system
from and ealy '60s GM. I will be using a Rover 4.2 in my Marcos.
Last year, had the water pump in my TR8 start
leaking, so I bought a replacement from Victoria British. It leaked and they
replaced it, and that one leaked too. I put another (3rd) "County" brand pump
on, and that leaked. All the leaks were through the ceramic seal area. I finally
sent my original pump out to Texas for a rebuild, and that is working fine. I
have found that the new replacement pumps are of inferior quality, so you are
better off having your original rebuilt. It is about the same money as a
new pump, but should be better quality. The TR8 pump is time-consuming to change
with A/C and a close radiator, and I suspect your Marcos is similar.
-Donny
----- Original Message -----
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Sent: Thursday, January 10, 2013 6:16
AM
Subject: [MarcosManiacs] Rover V8 water
pump
Just order a water pump from rockauto that matched perfectly except it has
the short shaft. It was for the 215 Buick V8 so did I screw up or can I get a
different pulley (3 hole instead of 4 hole)and extend (shim) or should I get
the Rover pump (same unit, longer shaft, $100 more??)
