Hi all

an update on 'Grandad's axe'... or 'Baby Blue'

I bought my 3.2 Daimler 18 months ago with 134000 km on clock.
in the first 8 months of ownership she had about 5 or 6 trips to my trusted Jag mechanic. There were no breakdowns apart from one 'limp-home' after a split heater hose; it was all running repairs from years of under-use.
I had - all new genuine hoses, new diff bearings, new driveshaft hanger bearing, new front suspension bushes to improve tramlining, new hands-free stereo, rebuilt original Bilstein front shocks, sorted some bent Asteroids and tyres for it.
The little things I did - multiple partial oil changes on gearbox, removed filter box and fitted pod, fitted Andy bracket.
Then I had 10 months trouble free daily motoring.

Now, 27,000 km later, I have a leaky engine (oil) and a noisy front wheel bearing.
My mechanic has replaced worn front wheel bearing, and traced oil leak to either rear crank seal or a plug in end of oil gallery. He also said front brakes are 70% worn, and discs/rotors down to 26 mm. I have asked him to do it all, while he has the car. My biggest hassle is finding time to get the car in to him. I am fortunate in that I can pay the bills - I pay them straight away then hide the invoice from myself and enjoy the ride..


I still hanker for a 'Big Blue', the 1996 LWB 6 litre V12 Daimler Century I have posted on before. But I have just bought a new house, old one not sold yet. So one thing at a time.

And perhaps God wants me to own a V12 XJS instead, I am waiting to see..

 

Hi Al,
Have you replaced the 4 O-rings in the pipe below the oil filter? They are common leakers, simple and cheap to fix.

Think a little more about that Daimler... The house will sell, you will have cash, and that incredibly rare beauty is just around the corner. Unless there is a pristine 95 XJS V12 convertible in your neighborhood too, I'd say that God has already presented an outstanding opportunity for you!

 

I got the car back today, a week after dropping it off.
Mark the mechanic traced the leak to the back of the crankshaft, so I OK'ed removal of gearbox (6 or 7 hours) - it was a leaking plug at the end of an oil gallery but crankshaft seal also replaced, given labour costs of gearbox removal..

I was right about the wheel bearing - that was done too.
Oil & filter done.

then he phoned to say this was all done, and the front brakes were 70% worn.
I said "keep going!"

and now I am back in Jag land, happy ..

still want that V12.

 

Well so much for the simple and cheap fix! Quite the opposite in fact!! But she's now in tip top shape, so stuff another bill under the mattress and go Jagging!

Lucky you've got a solid relationship with a very good mechanic, especially one who knows the V12 engine!

 

So I have had my car back for 24 hours, after a week in my back-up car, the might Aussie Ford Falcon wagon/estate.

I have done 4 trips of 10 miles each. 2 to work and back, and 2 more with 4 of us tonight.
It is great to have my old friend back. No rumbling wheel bearing, everything else as before, minus the oil on the drive way..

The differences I have noticed between 1995 3.2 Jag (215 bhp plus Andy Bracket and pod filter, about 1900 kg) and 2002 4.0 Ford (240 bhp, 1800kg)...
the Ford has undeniably more immediate low-down throttle response and torque (fly-by-wire throttle with big response to early movements vs. Jaguar cable throttle which requires a lot more 'foot' for reaction), but the Jag is a real twin-cam, and starts to take off after 4000 rpm. I think the Jag feels quicker over 100km/h (60 mph) once boogying on the cams..

The Jag is LOW. The Falcon is semi-MPV in it's drive height.

The Falcon rides well, is comfortable, but the steering is much more assisted and light than the Jag. The Jag hunts/tramlines a bit more, but is on 245/45 18s vs the Ford's 225/60 16s. the jag is due a wheel alignment, and I have had 3 in 18 months with various steering rack rebuilds etc.

I like both cars, but the Jag is low, sits on the road with class, and goes like a cut cat once the revs are up, despite its weight and 'small' 3.2.

So I guess next step is a 6 litre V12..

And I think I could still snag the 1996 Daimler Century that has been for sale near me. It would look great on a set of Asteroids, in navy blue paint.

 

PS the best bit.
I don't even have the bill yet.
When it comes, I ..
1. sit down
2. open envelope
3. take big breath
4. get lap top, log on to Bank, pay bill really quickly
5. hide invoice from myself in 'car file' hidden somewhere from myself in a drawer I can't find
6. drive Jag as soon as possible.
7. go to work next day and earn some more coin
8. keep googling V12s

 

AL NZ, you've got a great outlook, and sense of humor. Very funny.