I get confused on this thread about which engine you are talking about. If the head you viewed (no doubt the one supplied by the builder) is clear of deposits then likely the previous owner maintained coolant concentration correctly or it has been chemically cleaned.

 

yes, it is confusing...in fact, if you're not confused, then you're just not thinking clearly! haha

yes, the block and head (they were separated and devoid of any other parts when i viewed them a week ago) that will go into the rebuild are owned by Vintage Jag Works. they showed them to me, and the coolant passages look clear. it's a naked 3.4l block and head like that in the engine that was my car when i bought it and is, according to VJW, numbered within 100 numbers of my cracked block.

 

the engine has now been completed and i created a new thread containing some pics of it. i expect them to complete the project within a month.

considering the time of year and weather issues, i may have to have the car transported here to the central coast of california rather than flying to idaho and driving it back. not my preference, but will probably be less expensive, all things considered.

 

Looks super ~ a proper job.

 

If you have the car shipped to your home, you know it's going to arrive. I agree, driving across the Rockies in winter in a new-to-you car is a high risk prospect. Especially since I doubt you have snow tires, and the last thing you want to do is expose a car like that to the rocks and salt.

 

I'd go with a carrier / transport company of good repute. Since it is a new engine, you want to break it in properly and a trip from Idaho to California doesn't sound like a good idea to me . Just saying.... the quick route is I-80 probably, so lots of hours at a steady RPMs. Not really what you want to do with a beautiful new and expensive engine rebuild.
Best of luck with your wonderful Jaguar !
Schmitty

 

Yes ~ avoid constant throttle at all costs to run in/break in a new engine. With modern lubricants Jaguars run in warnings don't apply.

See Procedure.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/m...engine-263052/

 

I may have mentioned them before: CARS. They do Pebble Beach and that kind of top of the range transport. In spite of that, at least in Europe, they are still competitive for long distances. Their vehicles are all closed and very secure.