Gang:
I'm making a reappearance in these hallowed halls because... I sold my precious '91 earlier in the year thinking myself to be wise; and perhaps I was. But I'm also lonely for a Jag, so I've begun to sniff around. Not sure if it will turn into anything. But...

Today I drove a very tidy '94 VDP with about 100K miles, a seemingly good maintenance record, and a good price. I have two questions for those of you in the know, however. Underneath the drivers floor mat, the foam padding was all wet - not the carpet itself, just the foam underneath. I remember reading about leaky heater coils in the dash on the '93-'94s. Do you think I should be concerned about this? It didn't smell like anything and the AC blew really well and cold.

Second, there seemed to be quite a bit of grease build-up in the engine - from the cylinder head on down. Same thing in the rear quarters around the differential. Nothing seemed to pool on the ground that I could see. And of course I would clean it up (at least the engine) if I ended up getting this car. But as my previous car was clean as a whistle, again, I'm wondering if this is a concern.

I'm also sniffing around a '91 that I've not yet seen, so who knows. But I'd appreciate any feedback you'd care to give a Jag-less former Jag owner!

Thanks
Scott

 

I suppose you could do a simple Ph test on both your coolant and the puddle. Ideally your coolant will be significantly higher than leaky rain water. (paper strips available from any Pharmacy I should think).

Not a 100% test, but it may help you narrow things down.

The cam cover gaskets seem to be prone to leaking, made worse by owners then tightening and over tightening, allowing oil to dribble down the head.

Replaced mine, no more dribbles.

Rear end should be dry.

Check those records, it may well be 'old' work and no one bothered to clean up after.

 

Moisture on or under front carpets, on my 93 I had a problem with water in the front(also a lot of electrical gremlins),what happend was under the plastic cover under the windshield wiper there were two rust holes about 1/4 inch diameter,so when washing or rainfall it would let water enter above the fuse boxes. I patched the holes (there is a low spot ther so when the water sat there it eventually rusted thru),then put two fuse boxes from a wreck andall is well.The easiest way to find out if you have any leaks is to slowly hose down ,then look to see where its coming from.

 

The water could be that the condensation tubes from the ac have become blocked. It's an easy fix, coat hanger on either side of tranny where the tubes outlets are. If you lift the carpet you can clearly see the tubes from inside the car.

 

Just stay between years 89-94, 99% of the parts are interchangeable and readily available.

 

Boys:
Thanks for the advice. The wet carpet didn't seem to be coming from under the dash, so it might very well be a drain hose or, frankly, a spill by the previous owner! In any event, I bought the car and I'm back in the Jaguar business. When I get the chance to take pictures, etc., I'll make a 'welcome back' post to show you all my new ride.
cheers,
Scott

 

Its always nice to have another '94 owner around. Look forward to the pics.