The water pump is failing? It often announces its imminent demise with a leak underneath the pump's nose where there is a little weeping hole. That is a sign that the bearing is going and you had better address the pump ASAP.
Sadly, Plus 8 pumps are a maze. They reflect the timing cover you have and they do not always reflect Rover and Land Rover choices used on the same day of manufacture. They fall into many time eras reflecting the different timing covers used and which vehciles they were used in.
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A. Buick 215s) B. pre-Sd1s (1968-1976) , C. Sd1 (1977-1987) D. 3.9 covers (1991 to 2000 for UK and non-Overseas models), E. GEMS covers from 1998-2000 for Overseas cars and then F. all cars used GEMS covers until the end of Plus 8 production in 2004. G. Airconditooned models versus non-aircon modles. Serpentine If in doubt, contact me. There were also transition interim covers for pumps and some aftermarket fare in electric pumps. |
WATCHPOINT: Many LR/Rover V8 water pump variations can be used if the front extended nose of the pump is cut off. This must be done with some care and the right high speed grinder lest the pump bearing be burned. |  |
There were also transition interim covers (please advise me if you run across one!) and more aftermarket fare in electric pumps.
| WATCHPOINT:BEWARE. The Morgan Company went through transition eras that were unfortunately not accurately recorded. With the Plus 8 this was most marked from 1989 to 2000. Different engine, fuelling, cooling and structural variants were sent out simultaneorusly and many were then frequently altered by the local dealer. This can be very confusing and in this instance affects the timing of the different water pumps. Different dealers from different countries are usually not aware of these changes in other countries. The wisest couse is to ask me. lg@gomog.com or post to the GoMoG Garage |
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| Rover 3.5 Sd1 Vitesse Morgan Plus 8 Ready (with its nose cut) |
Land Rover 3.9 |
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In most cases, only one of these pumps will fit your Morgan Plus 8. There
is no difference between EFI or carb versions.
The Buick and Olds pump
have an oil pump position outlet that sticks straight out and will
interfere with your alternator. The V6 pump is too long to
line up the WP 
pulley with the crank
pulley. The later LR versions require a different timing cover (a
big ugh!) But Its pulley mount is shorter than the rest, providing more
radiator
clearance. The Rover Sd1 Part # is ERC474 (Morgan +8 1976 to
1990).
It is a single groove chrome pulley used on '69-'85 GM applications
with V8 engines. Its mounting holes are larger so a new set will have
to be drilled to get it to mount on the pump. Because it is a shorter
pump, an engine driven cooling fan is more easily fit behind
the radiator.
I find these pumps fairly easy to source if I am patient. Consequently, I have piled up a few new pumps for this era on both sides of the Atlantic. If you are stuck, I will spare one to get you up and running quickly. The only difference between the non Morgan pumps and the "Morgan" pumps is with the pre-Bill Beck chassis. Morgan had to cut the nose off these pumps to get them to clear the crossbar. This can be done an angle grinder but one must be VERY careful not to burn out the pump's bearing.
There are two other solutions for this. The first is that these pumps CAN be repaired, contrary to prevailing opinion in some places. There is no Rover repair kit, but there is one made by for the Buick pump which will do. Alternatively, any professional machinist can mange it. The Buick kit can be had from vintage Buick specialist or United Auto Parts.
The second solution is to switch to the later front 3.9
timing cover with the bigger pump. I tested this as I have a bigger capacity
Rover V8. The watchpoint is that some machine work will be necessary
to align the later water pump's pulley with the others. The payback is a
bigger water pumping capacity.