Hi all, first post here so please be kind!

I recently inherited a 1975 XJ V12 Coupe from my father. It has sat for a number of years and I want to get her running.

A new battery on her allows her to crank but fuel comes out of the overflow pipes before she値l actually catch and start. A mobile mechanic said the carbs have seized. Choke was very very stiff (to the point the handle snapped when trying to open it) and says a refurb is the first port of call.

What is the best course of action for this please? I知 guessing he値l have to remove them, send away for a refurb and refit? Looking online there seems to be a plethora of different companies providing this service along with different options to part exchange for new ones or similar options. I壇 ideally like to keep everything original to the car. Are certain firms better than others, any recommended more than most on the forums and somewhere where I知 not going to get ripped off/overcharged? It痴 my first time doing anything like this.

I知 in the UK and grateful for any advice.

Also I assume the fuel in her is out of date. Is it just a case of buying a 5 gallon drum of E5 and then adding some sort of additive to make it suitable? Again, my first time doing anything like this.

many thanks for any advice.

 

I'm not in the UK, so I cannot recommend anyone specifically...but in general I'll echo what most here would say, which is to seek out a Jaguar mechanic that has experience with the V-12 models, as they are a breed unto their own.

I reckon there's a good chance someone here will chime in with some leads for someone close to you...that car has a lot of potential, and you need an experienced mechanic to help you get it back to a proper running condition.

Good luck!

 

You might do better contacting the Jaguar Enthusiasts Club in the UK for servicing options local to you. They have advice forums on the main website.
https://jec.org.uk/

Or there is a branch of the J E C local to Cardiff, I知 sure they would be happy to help. https://jec.org.uk/regions/walessouth

 

Thanks for the replies, yes I致e looked into both those options thanks and spoken to a few firms but I知 really just wanting to get her running myself before anything else. The mobile mechanic I知 using echos my thoughts that it痴 just the carbs that need reconditioning and along with the new battery and some fresh fuel she should get moving under her own weight without issue.

surely carb refurbs are commonplace on these cars and there should be a number of recommendations or places to avoid throughout the community? Thanks again

 

Although your mechanic may in fact be right in his diagnosis, I would still want to know how many 12 cylinder Jags he's worked on.

...not trying to over-complicate your plans, just pointing out that there is a potential for frustration there, much of which can be reduced (or eliminated) by a bit of vetting.

In any event, I hope you get it sorted!

 

I "rebuilt" the four Strombergs on my '74 XJ12 and got them tuned and running. It was a process. But the "rebuild" was mostly just disassembly and cleaning and replacing gaskets. Whatever you do, repair the one's you have versus buying a diff set of carbs because the linkages/accessories are specific to the car and it would be a nightmare to try and adapt a set of carbs that aren't identical.

The rebuild kits are everywhere, i would buy two different kits (for each carb so technically 8 kits total) to ensure you have all the right pieces. Carb rebuild kits typically have multiple seals and gaskets for a variety of versions and there isn't any way to know what you've got until its apart. And i hate stopping once I've started so that's the reason for two separate kits to give you options.

 

Burlen Fuel Systems are the carb Kings in the UK. Talk to them. They specialise in Zenith/Strombergs as well as SUs.
https://burlen.co.uk/

 

I don't believe the throttle shaft seals are part of any kit. But I highly recommend replacing them:

Seals for Throttle Spindle on Stromberg CD175's - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum

 

Absolutely.