A few weeks ago I reported to the group about an idle problem I've had with my '96 VDP.

Has anyone discovered a way to release parts from the grip of aluminum oxide? Is there a "chemical dissolver" or "break free" for aluminum oxide?

To make a long story shorter, as I've serviced everything there is to service on the intake side of the engine I wanted to replace the starter as well. Occasionally, after a drive in hot weather and a short (shopping at BJs) the starter will "hang up" on a hot restart. A second turn of the key would get it going without further trouble. Because of this I want to replace the starter.

Yesterday I tried - front bolt OK rear bolt - No Way.
Repeated applications of reverse 250 pound feet of torque from my Ingersoll Rand 1/2 drive impact gun failed to break it loose. Aluminum oxide must be the problem. I can't use heat because of the nearby fuel lines. I'm beginning to think I must drop the motor to take this bolt out with heat. I could drop the trans and get at that bolt without using an extension, but I'm concerned, now, about breaking off the bolt head.
Any ideas?

 

If you have access to oxy-acetylene you can get a lot more heat in a smaller area. I had a frozen bolt on the caliper of my XJ6 and could not use a propane torch without damaging the boot on the caliper. Not having oxy-acetylene, I went to Home Depot and bought a MAPP kit for $60. This, with a piece of asbestos siding for protection, allowed me to heat the frame and remove the bolt. You can probably stuff a wet rag around the fuel line, then keep a spray bottle of water at hand just in case.

 

Thanks RJ, I have one of those small MAPP torches, may wrap the fuel lines in a wet towel and use the small torch.

 

I forgot about the oxide question. Sodium Hydroxide (lye) and even ammonia will dissolve the oxide. But it's not something that can efficiently loosen a bolt that's frozen.

 

I would think that the secret to lye and ammonia would be in letting it sit on the parts and then working its way down; not about to happen when the parts are horizontal...

 

You are right. Besides, they will attack the aluminum if allowed to sit. Same problem with muriatic acid (H Cl).

 

Looks like some carefully applied heat from a small torch this weekend...
Access to the bolt head isn't difficult. I have a friend put the socket on the bolt head (13mm) and I hit the trigger... This is the second starter I've had to replace in my AJ16 Jaguars. The starter in my XJS crapped out at about 77K... Poor quality starter motors?

 

I know its in an awkward place to get at had the same problem' I dropped the gearbox down by removing the rear mount and used a long drift bar or long solid bar on head of bolt with a good sharp hit with a good hammer. The problem is in the thread of bolt. There is also a product by CRC called PENETR8 FREEZE OFF it freezes to sub zero to crack & penetrate rusted or seized components. I have used it with success. Hope this helps


Cheers Ray

 

"CRC called PENETR8 FREEZE OFF" I'll look for some of this and try it.

Thank you!

 

drain the fuel line and use the heat

 

It's a full tank too! Idle got all wild out right after I filled the tank...
I'll try the CRC product tonight and repeat use several time this week.
If it doesn't work I'll drain the tank down and use the heat. My XJS will make short work of any gas I drain out.

 

Same as my starter. Rear bolt frozen, head rounded off. I took a long drill bit and drilled off the mounting tab. It destroyed the starter but it just fell out. A rebuilt cost $120 at auto parts store. Arch

 

I would drill and use bolt extractor

 

My starter and related issues turned into a four month fight and cluster f*** with my car. I decided to buy another and part this one out. It's in my garage right now, pretty much stripped of anything usful. If anyone has a "wish list" for VDP parts let me know. I hope to be able to ship the body off to the crusher next week.

 

I need 96 vdp

Front driver seat the whole thing.
Cup holder
Passenger rear door chrome
Driver door cable (inside)
3 jag symbols for rims
Antenna and the motor and black plastic part as well

 

I can help with the aerial.
If the door chrome is the tread plate I can help.
If it's the window frame surround I may be able to help.
Can't help with the center caps.
The seat is to big to ship

 

roger 95 do you have picture of your jaguar? is it beyond fix? is your engine still intact with all its attachments ? it would be great if you can share some picture of your jag and the parts that you would want to part with. where are you located? Thanks