As some of you guys may already know, I sold my 1992 348 for cash and a 1993 XJS V12.... I know there are mixed emotions on this car... some like it, some think it's the ultimate POS and signified nothing but the 'beginning of the end' for Jaguar. I should have photos tomorrow...when it gets out of the shop. As soon as I got it, I took it to my Syrian mechanic in Shuwaik (the Industrial Area of Kuwait). Today, hopefully to finish tomorrow, he's done or will do the following: Changed all the fluids Changed the filiter and gaskets for the transmission to stop some seepage Replaced or repaired a leaky metal radiator overflow tank Replaced all the water and vacuum hoses Repaired numerous wires with cracked insulation in the engine compartment Cover all the wiring in the engine compartment with additional insulation Cleaned and flushed the radiator Replaced a number of 'Chinese' brake and light bulbs with Osram (German) bulbs Replaced the two fog lights under the grill because of cracked glass Replaced the two support struts under the trunk lid (MY GOD that's heavy!) Repaired a leaky Washer Fluid tank Replaced the Windshield Wipers Vacuumed, Charged and Oiled the A/C Compressor Had all the tires reversed (White Lettering on the outside = no go), rotated, balanced, and a 4-wheel alignment done Attempt to locate and replace the right front Headlight lens (broken from apparently a rock) (not holding out ANY hope for that) Replaced or repaired the automatic radio antenna which isn't automatic anymore And that should take care of what could obviously be wrong with the car...or at least all the things he and I noted when we did our 'Post Purchase Inspection" It runs well, shifts smoothly, and although the ride isn't as smooth as my previously-owned 1983 XJ6, I think it may be because the XJS is more of a 'sport' model than the XJ6 sedan. Total cost: about $650 (parts and labor) To any previous owners or mechanics experienced in this model ... any thing I should have the mechanic specifically look for while it's in the shop? As I said, hopefully pictures tomorrow... Mike in Kuwait
My mom's mechanic in Florida used to service a lot of Jags, and he replaced several V-12s with big block V-8s. I forgot which ones were compatible, Ford or Chevy. It ruins the "purity" of the car--I've always been a big fan of Jaguars--but for cost-savings and reliability it's hard to beat.
Many of the Jags here have the Chevy 350 in them... the one I got, thankfully, is unmolested and fully original... it may cost more to maintain, but it's worth it in my opinion. Mike in Kuwait
Mike- nothing at all wrong with Jags. I've always liked the XJS, can't wait to see the pics of it. If that was the beginning of the end for Jaguar, people that think like that should take my STR out for a drive. After seeing the Top Gear test of the XKR, I may be in the market for one of those soon!
I love my XJS coupe...it's a great highway cruiser. The V-12 is understressed and capable of alot of top end speed. Here of some pics of mine: Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Altitude, What a GREAT looking car, and so obviously well-maintained... I should get mine out of the shop today or tomorrow... I will be playing piano for the US Ambassador to Kuwait's Christmas Party this afternoon, and may or may not have time to get it tonight... When I do, and I get it all cleaned up, I'll get the pictures up... mine is White, with Red interior... Again, you really have a nice car.... now I don't feel alone here... thanks for posting! Mike in Kuwait
I have always loved the XJS. I am looking forward to seeing the white/red. Never knew they made that color combo.
mseals, congratulations on your new Browns-lane bomber, fantastic old beast they are!! While your mechanic has it up on a lift get him to check the trailing arm bushes at the rear, perishing of the rubber is very common and can cause wierd handling characteristics. Check the handbrake works properly, they have inboard discs and are a ***** to do, so if the handbrake is poor it's best to get it sorted now. Siezed handbrake calipers are common. Check the engine oil cooler(behind the front grille) for oil leaks, it's common to see damaged radiators or leaking oil pipes, the consequences to your engine from this are obvious. Do a cold start check. If the idle is a little fluttery when cold, adjust the microswitch slightly on the throttle tower. Pull the carpet in the boot from behind the rear seat and check the fuel tank for corrosion. It's common to find leaks here caused by rust. Check the drain hole in the fuel filler bowl (yes, i know it doesn't rain much where you are!!) because if this blocks it will rust out the left-hand rear quarter panel and also cause rain water to back-up and end up swilling around the filler opening. Check the wipers "park" when they are switched off, they often don't, you can strip the moor down and just replace the park switch. Check the "six-shooter" bushes between the front cross member and the front panel, these rot out causing the car to feel like it's floating on air at higher speeds. I've had four of these over the years, and although each examle constantly let me down and caused my wallet to heomorage like the exon-valdez i'd have another tommorow!
Thanks! I picked up the car tonight... but will check the bushings... I checked out the handbrake and inboard brakes myself when I got it, all is well. I also checked both the radiator and the oil cooler, no leaks on the cooler, but a leaky overflow reservoir (which was fabricated and replaced today!). I'll check the cold idle tomorrow morning (great advice and an easy fix). Will check the fuel tank and look at the drain hole. Also the wipers parking status... actually haven't paid attention to it....! Haven't gotten it up to 'higher' speeds (only up to 80mph) and it felt very solid. I really appreciate all the input... I hope you won't mind if I PM you occasionally for advice... Thanks, Mike in Kuwait
When I was a dealer here, we sold quite a few XJS, the 5.3L and the later 6.0L. Make sure all the hoses are replaced every 2 years as the heat under the bonnet is deadly. Areas of concern: the steering rack and leakage, rear brakes as in-board, owners tend to aviod the $$$ to RR such, a/c, the compressor, evaporator. If yours is a convertibel, exercise the hood regularly to make sure all the seals in the motors are working. Last but not least, use IT..take it up to the speed it was made for and not for idling around town. For class, grace and pace, the XJS cannot be beat. The later XK8 is more a British Mustang to me. My brother owned both a '88 XJS convertible and a '73 XKE V12.
Also check the steering rack mounts, and if they're starting to perish, swap them with polyurethane ones. Went through that on my '89 XJS some years ago. Oh, and make sure the rubber vibration dampener that's part of the crank pulley is in good order. If that goes, just the inside of the crank pulley will spin when you fire the car up and you'll have no ancillary equipment working because the outer ring of the pulley is barely turning and not driving the belts!
Mike, It will let you know when you first start the car by emitting a loud "howling" noise which will usually subside after a moment or two of running. However, the way to inspect it is to get the car up on a lift, get a bright LED penlight or equivalent and a small mechanic's mirror and visually look at the rubber ring that is sandwiched between the inner hub of the pulley and the outer ring which drives the belts. When I had my workshop, we had one come in with this problem and the dealer couldn't figure it out! I had one of my guys start the engine while the car was up in the air and I was underneath with my light and immediately spotted it. P.S. If you have any other questions, PM me, as one of my main lines of work at my shop were Jaguars. Cheers, Aaron
Mike, YOU SOLD THE 348???? WHY???? Anyway, as former owner of an '85 XJS V12, I say good luck to you with the '93 XJS. The XJS is a bullet on the freeway, as you can cruise at triple digit speeds effortlessly, with just a hum from the transmission. Anyway, here is a websites you should become familiar with. Jagbits.com (I'm not affiliated with it) Also, read up on the Kirby Palm XJS manual. This guy reversed engineered an XJS and he explains all the common problems that they have, and how to take care of it, etc. Just trying to help, Jim
Yep... sold it... I went to see it yesterday... the new owner is making HUGE progress on taking it back to Original 348 specs... and good for him... his pockets are WAY deeper than mine... Thanks for the Jag info... I'm enjoying it, A LOT! The only problem I've had so far is the TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) is acting spotty, and locally a new one is$560.00!!!! I've found aftermarket replacements for as little as $228.00, but a friend of mine is going to the UK next week, and thinks he can find one at a 'breakers yard' for less...I told him to get two...! Appreciate it, Jim... hope your holidays are going well. Mike
Happy Holidays to you too Mike. Glad you are doing well. How is the TPS acting spotty? I don't know about 93's, but a common problem with XJS's is that the check valve to the emissions canister (charcoal) was installed backward from the factory. So what you get is an almost stall after initial start up, and lot of fuel pressure in the fuel tank, and also vacuum as the tank decreases with fuel. Just simply reverse the check valve, and it clears this problem up. A few tips; After long drives, it's a good thing to raise the hood after you shut the engine off to let the engine compartment cool down. Another thing, if your temperature gauge rises near the 3/4 mark, the car is actually overheating. The coolant temp sensor is actually installed to read the coolant temp as it's leaving the radiator. Now the 93's could have had this corrected, I'm not too sure. OH, and here's one of the most important tips. DON'T EVER jump start the car if the battery goes dead. The electronics in the ECU are delicate and this can easily fry them. Do you have any pics of the car? Jim
I'll check the emissions canister check valve... The problem is, not very often, but occasionally, the car won't start. The injectors aren't getting the signal to release the fuel... but if I tap on the TPS, it starts right up. I took the throttle assembly apart and everything is fine. Of course, the TPS is a sealed unit. I've just located the voltage output at 'key on/engine off' (.02 volts) and will check that tomorrow. The temp gauge stay at about the 1/4 mark, but it's only about 75 degrees right now... I'll watch it... I've had the radiator rodded, flushed, the flushed again. Now it's just clean, nice radiator fluid. Thanks for the advice on jumping the car... I'll definately follow it... Thanks Jim, Happy New Year (soon). Mike in Kuwait
I've had a few Jag's. The one I have currently is an 87 H&E custom coach edition. Great car and fun to drive! Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
That is a really nice car...! I have been waiting to post pics of mine... we've had 'dust' the last few days...and it only seems to be getting worse... When it clears up, I'll get some photos taken and put them up.... Mike in Kuwait
Still haven't posted the pictures yet, obviously... will try to get some taken ... work has been a bear lately... Just a repair update... started hearing a funny bumping noise that sounded like a tire was losing it's tread...took it to the tire shop and when they jacked the rear end up, the left rear tire stayed on the ground! well, crap... turns out there are two 'V-bushings' on each side that mount the axle assembly to the frame, and the two on the driver's side were separated.... half on the frame, half on the axle assembly... Went to the dealer parts house, and LO AND BEHOLD they had four in stock!!! I also got two trailing arm bushings, figuring that if the V bushings were gone, they would be too... turns out I was right... three hours, and $350 later, I was back on the road with new bushings on the rear, which substantially cut the 'road noise' down... now, the only noise I hear is from the transmission, and the next step will be to get it raised and see if the transmission bushings are well and good, or not...I'll also check the engine mounts while I'm under there...oh... I found a 100-ton press for the trailing arm bushings. The guy charged me $3 each to press the old ones out and put the new ones in... As a side note, after work today, I stopped at a car stereo install shop, and had all four speakers replaced... they were the original Jaguar 6-inch Phillips speakers and were literally in pieces... replaced them with 6-inch Sony's with built in tweeters separate from the speaker. The fit exactly in the original mounts, and look like originals. I'm leaving the original AM/FM/Cassette/CD player in (CD Changer is in the trunk). The new speakers sound great, and were relatively inexpensive (USD$150 installed for all four). Only had a problem with the TPS once in the last week (driving every day)... opened the hood, jiggled the wires for 5 seconds, and it started right up. I have one ordered, but it will be two weeks, or more, before it gets here... not cheap...but necessary. Oh, while checking the tires, noticed that they were made in 2001, and even with good tread on them, in this environment, decided to change them out... even though the old ones had been balanced and rotated, the new tires make a huge difference in the ride...much smoother. What else.....oh, still have to check the 'six-shooter' bushings on the front... but will within a day or two. And will TRY to get some pics in the next day or so... Mike in Kuwait
Mike, Sounds like you're getting things sorted out. So are you saying that you hear the transmission clunking (like when riding over bumps) or just that you hear the transmission hum? If you're hearing the transmission clunking, it's probably the rear mount. You could try to tighten it up, it's a single nut. Does your car have a 4 speed auto? Is it a GM400 unit? Jim
Jim, Thanks for the response... I'm not sure it's a GM400.... I think it's only a 3-speed auto...on the console, there's 1 - 2 - and D. Seems like a four speed would have 1, 2, 3, and Drive... maybe not. It DOES have overdrive, so maybe it's 1, 2, D, and Overdrive... I do get the occasional 'clunk' when putting it in gear, or giving it the gas, but the noise I'm talking about is more of a vibration noise, low pitch, that changes with the gears and goes away when in neutral...I've changed the filter and fluid, which made no difference what-so-ever. I still have to check the transmission mount and the two engine mounts... as bad as the V Bushings and Trailing Arm bushings were, if the trans and engine mount are original, they can't be in good shape...the heat here is a killer on anything rubber... Mike in Kuwait
