Getting closer to reinstalling into the car !

I Still need advise before I close up the front timing cover . I've locked the cams and crank with bars and key that insert into the crank. I tensioned the chains as per shop drawings . The motor turns free and smooth. I'm cautious because the timing obviously is the most important part of this build. So before I close up I'd like to be 100% certain I've done this step correctly . Unfortunately the dealer and shops in my area aren't any help with this . I've replaced every component and sensor on the car. Gaskets , etc. I've owned the car since new so I'm anxious to get it back on the road again ! Thanks

 

Excellent. Did you need to weigh each piston rod assembly. You bacically rebuilt a race car engine. Great job. Sorry cannot help with timing question. Just a thought. I would think that when you set the tappet clearance a timing issue would show up during that procedure

 

When we disassembled the engine the machine shop said there was little to zero wear on bearings or any moving parts . I took the motor out because the car started blowing smoke really bad. The heads were rebuilt and we replaced the piston rings and put everything back together . I drove the car 235 k miles before I had to do this. I felt it was the best way to preserve the car in its original condition. The valve seals were bad and the piston rings were frozen with carbon . It's been challenging to find parts . Some parts are interchangable with some Ford stuff . Like exhaust manifold studs and some other . We replaced head bolts and push rod bolts and crank bolts . I swear by Lucas pure synthetic and after taking apart the motor I believe adding a quart w every oil change will prolong the life of your engine. I also own a xf portfolio that's closing in. On 200k miles . The 03 has never broke down or overheated . Thanks for asking .

Mike

 

wow. My 06 str has 183,000 miles and stills screams and uses no oil to be noticed. Makes me feel good after reading your post. They are amazing engines

 

Jaguarlandrover classics has helped me a lot through this . He said he's never had someone rebuild an 03 before. The engines were really robust . I think the biggest threat as with any engine is overheating. Regular oil changes , air filters and run injector cleaner every now and then will be helpful. Most of the small issues I had were coil and vacuum leaks. The plastic tube that run from back of intake elbow around motor and under the intake tube is a problem spot. It's plastic and cracks over time. Other than that brakes , battery is all over done in twenty years . Good luck

 

Wow - very cool!

 

In case you haven't seen this already, here is a link to the engine course that explains how to set the cam timing:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/vqpy3bbjzd...e_168.pdf?dl=0

Pay particular attention to page 26 of the course (page 74 of the PDF) regarding setting the correct valve timing of 45 degrees ATDC.

 

NBcat ,
Thank you for the repir manual you sent . I followed the procedure as described . I have the tools to lock cams and crank . I'm gonna recheck it one more time and do a final torque of bolts and release the tensioners. The engine is almost ready to go back into the car. I'm waiting on o rings that go on the front cover to close it up. Jaguar Land Rover classics in California were a big help getting parts and gaskets. I'll post an update as soon as I have one . Thank you again

 

With all those miles have you replaced the under SC hose?
If not I think that is a record!
.
.
.

 

I didn't replace it until now . I didn't have to do much major repairs on the car . Battery, breaks, oil was about it and some vacuum components

 

Great thread. Some amazing work Mike 8897!
The engine looks lovely sitting there on the stand.
I know before I first bought mine I checked (harassed) a very competent workshop manager at my local Jaguar dealership about the 4.2 knowing the issues with the 4.0. He couldn't speak highly enough of the 4.2. They had zero issues.
Car only had 24,000 miles and a one owner (it's now done 78,000 miles) but it's been trouble free motoring.
Car's had lots of love but the UV exposure here has killed the water based paint. Paint still very shiny but has started to develop split cracks on the flanks that see the sun most. only solution is to go back to bare metal now.
And the headlights? The headlights are a joke.
Apart from that, fine car.

 

Jya,
My car is anthocite black w black interior . All the lights and runners are fitted w tint to be black . Living in Florida the paint held up well no fading or cracking . Some minor chips here and there . Glad you kept the mileage down as well . Fun cars to drive and surprise mor than a few w power . I do cover the car and the windows are limp black to save the interior .

 

Good to see you've given the car lots of love Mike 8897 from that Florida sun. Impressive also that you've had the car since new!
These are really beautiful cars and worth spending the time, money and effort on. I'm sure your XF Portfolio is lovely; the Callum design was certainly a success but my eye still prefers the Lawson designed S Type.
Not easy keeping a modern car in great condition, plenty of plastic bits everywhere. More plastic bits in the more modern crop of cars, that's for sure. Going to be a lot harder to preserve these cars!
I do make sure I protect the interior and keep the car out of the deadly UV rays here as best as possible (we have the highest rate of skin cancer in this country). The sun's killed the pathetic headlight reflector chrome and the plastic front lenses are now throwaway.. And I've said it many times before, the old solvent based paints were much longer lived. The cars darker 'Aspen Green' colour hasn't helped.
But, I love the car. Look forward to see how you get on.