So... I have noticed that the solenoid (the one mounted above the left-side head cover) for my 86 XJ6 smokes a little when I have the bonnet open. Its just a little wisp of white smoke that comes out of the metal cover just to the side of the solenoid body. It doesn't always happen... and the car starts and runs fine.

A Jag mechanic told me "that's ok... that happens with those solenoids" but I guess I am a little more concerned about having a potential Car-B-Q than he is. So... am I right to be concerned or is this actually "normal" for Lucas stuff?

 

Having a hard time visualizing a solenoid in that area. Can you post a pic?

Cheers
DD

 

I suspect it is a relay. And, I disagree with that "tech". smoke, nope not to be tolerated.


Carl

 

It's never a good sign to see smoke signals of any kind coming from an automotive electrical component; unless they're an under-the-hood smoke generator and I don't think Lucas made those -- not on purpose anyway.

(';')

 

OK... while I didn't take a picture of my engine, this one is 99% the same and the solenoid that I am referring to is the "silver" solenoid mounted above the valve cover (and right next to the Jaguar decal in this photo). The smoke is coming from under the little metal covering attached to the solenoid (where the two orange-ish wires are connected to the solenoid in the photo). I apologize if I am calling this the wrong thing. This has been smoking on-and-off for about a year since I first noticed it and mentioned it to my Jag mechanic (who was nonchalant about the smoke). I am doing my best to restore the Kitty with the limited funds I have at the moment. I have rebuilt two Jeep engines and so have some skill with tools under the hood. I try to save my money for the times when I have to take the car to the Jag mechanic for "big ticket" and complex things (like the transmission rebuild ~ $2200 or replacing the fuel tank because I don't have the lift and air tools needed to do the job easily).

So... should I be worried about a Car-B-Q when this engine part is giving off little wisps of smoke?

 

thats not a solinoid, its the ignition coil.....

 

... is that "normal"?

 

Nope. If it is oily, clean it up. It may be that the cil gets hot and the oil smokes.


Clean the connections. Poor conductivity create resistance, which translates to heat.


It is an oil filled coil for cooling purposes. At times, they do leak. However, that is a sign of impending failure. You will be stranded somewhere.


I don't understand your tech's comment???


Nice clean engine bay. I like that.


Carl

 

I agree, nice clean engine bay.
So clean in fact, I don't see any oil anywhere, especially on the OUTSIDE of the coil!
That means the inside is getting Really Hot! and as Carl says you're about to be stranded.

You need 2 things: 1) a new coil, 2) a new mechanic. You can change the coil yourself and bypass a mechanic completely.
(';')

 

I have to admit a had a little giggle when you pointed out what 'Solenoid' you meant. But it's good you came here.

But just out of curiosity:
Did you actually show the 'solenoid' to your mechanic, or did you just say 'I have a smoking solenoid?'

If you actually showed it to him, there is no way he can call himself a mechanic.

(do as people above say: replace the thing.)

 

The engine bay pictured is *not* the engine bay in question. The OP jut grabbed a picture off the internet

It is normal for the ballast to get a bit hot so any 'ambient' oil/grease/dirt/whatever is likely to smoke as it burns off. This is fairly common and *might* be innocuous....and might account for the mechanic's nonchalant conclusion that there isn't anything to worry about.

However, if the *coil* is leaking....a very real possibility.....and the oil is migrating onto the resistor, well, that obviously is not a good thing. Lord knows how long is has been leaking. It might be nearly dry by now. No good.

I'd wanna take a good look-see before drawing any conclusion as to what part to replace or firing the mechanic. First I'd look at the resistor itself.....to determine if it is covered in gunky stuff. If so, determine why.

Cheers
DD

 

Gotta love the way everyone jumps onto the 'fire the mechanic' bandwagon based on very brief remarks coming from a person (no offense meant here) who doesn't know the difference between and ignition coil and a 'solenoid'.

Everyone (besides the OP) who was actually there to witness the converation please raise your hand.

Hmmmm.....anybody? Anybody at all? No hands?

I'd hate to have you folks on a jury if I was the accused. You'd have me convicted before the end of the opening remarks!

Cheers
DD

 

Thank you, Doug, that changes everything.

I'm off to work now before I get into even more trouble.
(';')

 

The OP is calling the coil a solenoid after his mechanic has told him it is normal to smoke, surely the mechanic would have referred to the coil as a coil or is the mechanic the source of the word "solenoid"?

 

I see a coil, plus a cover beside it, that I didn't have on my 1980 Series 3, but would imagine the cover is to protect a ballast resistor. I suppose in the course of events, this can heat up, so if oil gets onto it, some smoke may appear.

However, like Doug says, check it out, it costs nothing or very little to do so.