Just had delivered a 3.4 engine for my 340. Question is the new engine does not have lifting eyes attached to the head. My old engine has them. Can I fit the eyes I have to my new engine without interfering with the head gasket seal?

 

Yes, set your torque wrench to match the bolts that you're removing, then do one lifting eye at a time, grease the threads on the studs and nuts all around before re-torqueing.

However the studs with out the lifting eyes may not be long enough if Jaguar never put them there in the first place _ something to keep in mind.

 

If your studs are not long enough to accept the forged lifting loops you might get by fitting the engine with the later pressed XJ6 version to install your engine. Otherwise to use the loops you will need to replace the 4 studs.

 

One more thought you could borrow the J8 Churchill lifting plate which was used in the years before lifting eyes or loops were fitted.

 

Engine lifting plate. Engines fitted with lifting eyes have longer studs at those locations. One needs to be careful in this regard as those longer studs will bottom out in a domed nut when rebuilding engines designed for lifting hoops if you don't fit the lifting hoops. This leads to no torque at the head surface in those 4 locations.

 

For oxedine and others who may need it. J8 lifting plates are scarce--very scarce. Here is a pic or two that may help you make your own. If you are in North America and a member of JCNA or a Foundation patron you may simply borrow it (you pay shipping)