Rover v8 engine water pump and crankshaft pulleys.

[slatept]

So the engine i have fitted in my cabrio is a Rover 3.5 v8. Just prodding around today and noticed the crankshaft and water pump pulleys are both about 6 1/4" diameter the pulleys are only about 1/8" apart from each over, which seems very close to me. Obviously the water pump is rotating at the same speed as the engine as both pulleys are the same diameter. As far as I am aware the engine coolant system works fine. So question is does this sound correct or should the water pump pulley be smaller and give a higher speed to the pump.

Thanks Phil

[mike woodley]

Re: Rover v8 engine water pump and crankshaft pulleys.

Hi Phil,
The set up you have is normal on the early Rover V8 without the serpentine type belt. I have an ex SD1 V8 in my Cabrio and love it! i have added a couple of photo's, one of the installed engine, and one of a "spare" Rover V8 engine I have, showing the very narrow gap between the pulleys. Both engines are carburetted SD1 derived. Hope this helps.
Regards Mike

[slatept]

Re: Rover v8 engine water pump and crankshaft pulleys.

Thanks Mike those pictures are very useful and are just like mine. It will be good to keep in touch and with us both having the V8 Cabrio. Whereabouts are you. I'm about 20 min north of Lincoln.

[stewart 27]

Re: Rover v8 engine water pump and crankshaft pulleys.

hi i am also 15 min north of lincoln and re building a sd1 to go into my sportster or cabrio so where are you both

[mike woodley]

Re: Rover v8 engine water pump and crankshaft pulleys.

Hi Phil & Stewart,
I live in Okehampton Devon. Always happy to help if I can. I built my V8 Cabrio and have had it on the road since July 2003.
Regards Mike

[mike woodley]

Re: Rover v8 engine water pump and crankshaft pulleys.

Stewart,
I rebuilt the engine I have in my Cabrio. The engine is an ex Sd1 from 1984. I had the heads fitted with new valve seats, bulleted valve guides and had them given a light skim. I fitted waisted stem valves, stayed with the standard cam and valve springs. I used a pair of SU Hif6 carbs from my spare 1976 V8, and use a fuel additive that is an Octane booster. Had the engine set up on a rolling road by a specialist engine tuner, after I had run it in, and it gave 198 BHP. A huge improvement on the standard V8 and more than enough for me. Hope this helps.
Regards Mike.

[stewart 27]

Re: Rover v8 engine water pump and crankshaft pulleys.

That sounds good many thanks

[linusm]

Re: Rover v8 engine water pump and crankshaft pulleys.

Hi Mike. Its Linus- we met yesterday at the Okey Show. ( Cabrio/2.0 pinto engine- Station Rd next to the laundrette.). Seeing your lovely 3.5 sdi has got me lusting after the same setup!( plus the fact that Im still not sure why my pinto engine is still smokey..) Just done compression test- 150/145/134/150. Dont know enough about pinto engines to tell whether the two middle readings are low enough to spell trouble- may post on the main forum to access the wisdom of other pinto drivers.
As i said yesterday- do drop in when passing( long driveway- silver volvo estate parked means i'm home). Be great to compare notes/pick your brains.