Hey All,
I bought my brother's 97' XJ6L in Novemer. I've been under the hood a bit prior to this, so in know pretty much what I go into. Or so I thought. I just replaced the alternator last week. Another story tho... I started getting a loud clicking noise from the front of the engine prior to that. Turns out when it's cold, you can see the wobble in the harmonic balancer. It stops when it gets up to operating temp. Go figure. Anyways, after the alternator replacement, it got louder. So I purchase a used part from Gardener's down in Pompano. $150!! Most are $350 online. As soon as it's dry enough, I'm going in... My question is... What size is the crankshaft nut? I'll post pics as well. The biggest part should be getting the belts off again. Just time consuming. Any help please? And no,,, I won't be cranking the engine to break the seal on the nut. I'm using a 2x4. Pics to follow... Thanks!!

 

You need to post this inquiry in the X300 section. (1995-1997).
This is the later sedan section.

bob gauff

 

Jdogsofla,

I have moved your thread from the forum for the X350 to the forum for the X300, which is the Jaguar factory project code for your 1997 XJ6L. Here you will find knowledgeable owners of similar cars.

P.S. Don't assume the crankshaft bolt is metric. I seem to recall that on our '93 XJ40 it was Imperial.

Cheers,

Don

 

Memory is 32mm for that bolt.

I hit the starter to loosen that bolt, always have and no issues so far.

 

Unless there was a change through the years, I just checked and the socket I had to buy is 34mm. Talk about a tool that has no other purpose.....

x 2 on a quick turn of the starter, I've never had an issue with it, just don't crank it for too long

 

It's actually 1 5/16"

bob gauff

 

I just did my balancer a few months ago for my xjr and I think it was 34mm. I purchased the 3/4 socket set and used the starter bump method. First try got the bolt loose.
At first I was nervous since my bolt looked like it was rusted and the sockets I had were 12 point but I didn't have any issues. Also used the same socket to tighten it and I haven't had any issues

 

Same as the MGB.

 

I had to buy a better impact wrench to get mine off....after breaking my breaking-bar with the starter motor. Maybe something useful for you, here:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...roject-100618/
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...74/#post802973

 

I did mine with a 33mm -- 1 and 5/16 inches is 33.3375 mm -- and it was tight so I would concur with the 34mm and 1 5/16 numbers.

I sent mine off to the guy in Oregon and I think I rounded his actual charge up and sent him a check for $150.

He has great advice about sending it in the Postal medium flat box rate for $12.50 or so.

The lady at the Post Office said if I had not used that box, it would have cost $50 to mail. (I had it back in a week).

But the guy in Oregon takes off every third month. He was off in March, so I guess he will be off in July.

I called him and he said he does about one x300 balancer a day these days.

Also - funny story - I was replacing my third alternator when I realized the belt and pulley on the harmonic balancer were turning free without me releasing the alternator bolts yet!

The whole time I thought the alternator was going bad, it was the balancer loose and not making noise - sheesh.

I loved using the photos and write up about the job here on the forum.

 

SO I sent my spare off for replacement and not sure I want to go through the process of replacing myself. Anyone have a clue on how long a mechanic would take to replace so I can figure out the cost. If it is too much I guess I will do it myself. Any suggestions on what else to replace since you are already pulling the radiator and all the belts?

 

I don't remove the radiator but the fan assy does need to be removed.
I put a thin sheet steel panel in the radiator channel where the fan shroud goes to protect the radiator itself.

Jaguar Warranty Time is 1.10 time units for the 4.0 AJ16 engine.
I would charge about 2 hours real world time with the expectation of some corrosion and other issues.


bob

 

Well crud. The same week my wife's 2005 Jaguar XJ8L is in for a transmission swap (good used unit), my 97 Jag "Baby" started buzzing like a swarm of bees, oddly eminating from the fuel rail/cover. I had no clue what the vibration was from, which is mostly at idle, but noticed the alternator output remains between 11.2v and 12 while driving.

I was prepared to change the alternator (already have one in waiting), but it sounds like I need to check the harmonic balancer. Baby just turned over 176,800 miles so I guess it is time to for a separation.

Question: Is it normal to cause vibration up to the top of the engine like that?

 

I think Damper DALE is somewhere in Oregon? (new home page H.B.)

 

Yes, they are up in Salem! LUCKILY, it turns out that my hb is in fine condition. I marked it, yanked around on the belt, watched it under revs, and didn't see any play or slippage whatsoever. SOLID. I then proceeded to change the alternator. That's all it was! The alternator apparently having gone bad, was producing/causing vibration which made its way through the block and emanated from the fuel rail! Freakish.

Baby all good again :-) I shall reward her with a fresh oil change this weekend.