Started up the jag and went for a quick spin around the storage. Don’t mind the slipping trans. Seems like the tq converter doesn’t want to lock or engage till it’s a little warmed up. Anyway... last summer one of the coolant hoses got a pinhole leak and under pressure leaked a bunch while driving and eventually sprayed steam and coolant everywhere. The temp did get high. I would say overheated for sure. After fixing the hose I crossed my fingers and it started right up. I didn’t notice any noises at the time and didn’t drive it much before putting it away for winter. Anyway yesterday I started it and drove it a bit. The sound picked up on audio it a bit concerning. I think I have an xjs diesel. I’m hoping it’s not a bad valve seat and maybe just a sticking valve that might unstick with some snake oil?

https://streamable.com/wn866

 

NOPE,

Sounds more like a trans low on fluid, and/or the steer pump almost dry.

A valve seat dropped would be heard across the storage facility without hearing aids, or a microphone.

 

ha! well that’s reassuring. Yeah I’m going to go put some fluid in the trans here in a bit and listen around the engine bay. The power steering has a leak and is dry

 

Ok, well I did the “paper trick” and the right pipe is definitely sucking and blowing... question though. Almost 99% the right side has an exhaust leak. Will that screw up this test? I assume it would.

https://streamable.com/ktr4n

 

I did NOT hear a misfire, only components screaming for lubrication.

 

I dumped in a qt of atf and filled the power steering and tossed some snake oil in the gas. It was the quietest it’s ever been. With the large pan and crap dip stick I’ve never been able to tell if it needed more.

 

Come on Dude! You've got a green XJS how lucky can you get? Check the fluid levels and add what it needs. You're going to ruin your car with that attitude.

 

The power steering has a leak. Pretty sure it’s in the rack itself. Not a job a really want to do... did the bushings on it and ran out of swear words. And like I said, the ATF dip stick just seems to be impossible at times to read. I’m impressed by the xjs’s ability to take a bit of abuse. Not purposeful abuse just... huge V12 that sprung a leak and got overheated a little and an American trans that’s a bit drier than it should be.

 

this brings up something?
do the 6 cylinder engines drop valve seats too?
ron

 

Ron,

NO.

In all my years with Jags, and as an Engine Reconditioner by trade, I have seen very few dropped valve seats.

Back in the days of cast iron heads, plenty of cracked seats, with were repaired with an Insert.

Alloy heads have these Inserts as standard, and unless the engine, ANY ENGINE gets absolutely roasted, do not fall out. The V12 banter is real, of course, and when the truth comes out, rare that is, the engine has been roasted many times.

:There is a small coolant leak, what should I do.
A hose split, I replaced it, topped up, and drove home, the temp gauge sat high, why?
I just got the car, do I really have to do ALL those hoses, and clean the radiator?

If I had my way, in any of those STUPID comments, I would rescue that car, just like you would a neglected animal. Both deserve better.

BEER O'clock, see ya.

 

some of the information i get is that Leyland used low grade recycled Aluminum, for casting heads and blocks, for saving money!
i dont know what Ford used , they broke away from Leyland as part of takeover deal!
ron

 

Stories be stories, and it keeps the Intra Web alive.

I remember the Simca motor car, and the alloy heads they used, and the STORIES, oh dear, but those little suckers went forever, and that was the early '60's. NO coolant as we know it, rainwater for the fussy owners, maybe.

If I had a $ for every cracked BMC/Leyland cast head I have repaired over the years, I would be very rich. Apply the same to alloy heads of ANY brand, I would be very poor.

Modern, as in 2000 onwards cars have made owners and service people very lazy, especially in the cooling system area, as they simply do not have the issues we all grew up with.

The V12 with 2 thermostats, that was a real talking point back in the '70's. Then Toyota in the late '70's, with the stat in the Bottom hose, that was different.

I dont know which hose the Stat is in on my X Type, too many hoses on that beast. One day I will find out.

 

944xjs,

Sorry to join your thread late. The rattling sound could be one or more noisy fuel injectors. Easy enough to check with an inexpensive mechanics' stethoscope or a long screwdriver or socket extension as a substitute.

Cheers,

Don

 

I think in the spring I’ll do a compression test to hopefully rule out anything major.