Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Plus 8 3.9 2000yr sump leak.

My 3.9 V8 sump leaks oil (nothing new I expect). I've had a good look around for the source of the leak and have concluded that the sump gasket is the culprit. Replacing this is a pig on my car because it has an early Librands 'crossover' exhaust, so I want to make sure I get it right. I've read all sorts of advice regarding gasket replacement ie cork gasket, rubber gasket, apply sealant or not, so I'm hoping to get some definitive advice. Rutters stock a cork gasket which allegedly fits all Rover V8's so I'm tempted to go this way but thought I'd seek any further advice before committing.
Any help would be greatly appreciated thanks.
Derek

I have the cross over exhaust on my +8 which makes putting the sump back on and keeping the gasket in place fiddly, the removal is quite straight forward. I used the cork gasket and put dabs of exhaust gasket sealer around each nut hole on the sump to hold the gasket in place whilst matching it to the block. Make sure you tighten the nuts evenly and don't over torque, Oil sump to cylinder block 8 lbf/lb and the rear bolts 17 lbf/lb.

For the 3.9 the official route is to use a sealant, I did that and eventually it developed a slight leak. Decided that next time I do it I will use a cork gasket, and add a layer of gasket sealant.

Having rebuilt several engines over the years which appeared to have been stuck together with gasket sealer my advice is to use it sparingly.

I apply it with a small paint brush ( the type you find in a child's paint box)

Arwyn

Thanks, so it looks like a cork gasket with a light application of gasket sealant. And a further question for Britmog: Are you saying that you have managed to get the sump off without removing the crossover exhausts?

Yes, that is correct the sump had just enough clearance to wiggle out.

Many thanks Britmog