Sump

CastleMGBV8 · Post by **CastleMGBV8** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 1:44 pm

I am intending to use the 3.9 sump that came with the engine I have now rebuilt to 4.35.

I read some where that the 3.9 sump is slightly deeper than the 3.5 and as the engine came without a dipstick or tube I'm wondering if I need the 3.9 dipstick and tube to get accurate oil level readings.

I've looked at a picture of a 3.9 one and it appears to be longer above the block than the SD1 version. I have concerns that it won't fit under the bonnet of the MGB without modification, any advice?

Kevin

chodjinn · Post by **chodjinn** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 2:17 pm

I did exactly what you have pretty much, used an SD1 3.5 and upgraded to 3.9, and used a special group a sump; no clearance issues or problems reading oil levels whatsoever as far as I can tell.

I've not heard of any differences in 3.5/3.9 dipsticks/tubes etc.

Post by **katanaman** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 2:18 pm

Don't quote me on this but I am pretty sure that so long as you have the stick and tube matched they all go into the engine by the same amount. The difference is that some engines had longer tubes and sticks on the outside so they came higher up. You get problems if you mix a long stick with a short tube or the other way round. Make sense?

CastleMGBV8 · Post by **CastleMGBV8** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 5:09 pm

Thanks guys, I'll just use the SD1 dipstick and tube then, if the 3.9 sump is a liitle deeper it will just have a bit more oil in it and that should not cause a problem.

Kevin.

davemgb · Post by **davemgb** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 8:38 pm

Was your 3.9 from a range rover?

I found the range rover sump fits ok but there is no room between the crossmember and the sump for the exhaust so you might have to reroute it - obviously depends on your current setup.

Dave

CastleMGBV8 · Post by **CastleMGBV8** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 11:27 pm

Dave,

Yes Range Rover 3.9, I have RV8 exhaust, so exits through the side panels, the sump does not look any deeper at the front so should clear the rubber bumper crossmember.

If I do have any clearance issues I can always use the SD1 sump off my other engine, just didn't want to swap them if I didn't need to.

Kevin.

chodjinn · Post by **chodjinn** » Sat Jun 21, 2008 11:05 am

Kevin, I also used an SD1 sump without issues, and I have a spare here if you want it rather than take one off your other engine; its no use to me now!

davemgb · Post by **davemgb** » Sat Jun 21, 2008 11:09 am

Kevin,

With RV8 headers you'll be fine, if you had an original BV8 system it goes between the crossmember and the deep section of the sump through a gap the Range Rover sump fills.

It will depend on your car usage but I would leave the SD1 windage plate out if you have it since the Range Rover sump has an adequate baffle in it and I had starvation problems when both where fitted.

Dave

CastleMGBV8 · Post by **CastleMGBV8** » Sat Jun 21, 2008 12:05 pm

Ollie,

Thanks for the offer but seems I should be ok with the 3.9 version.

Dave,

Thanks for the tips, seems it should all go together nicely, the 4.35 engine is based on a 3.9 block so the matching sump and oil pick up should be ok.

Kevin.