Ha! I took a couple of miles' spin in the XJ-6 this afternoon, to warm it prior to changing the oil (was last changed October 2005, and about 2000 miles since). Well, I stopped at my brother's and when I got ready to go she started the crank-hit-die routine. She eventually kept running and I beat it home, got the oil changed, etc.
They always get you in front of someone then start cutting up.

 

Maybe now the car is telling you to do the maintenance yearly instead of every 8 years.

 

Please don't assume I don't do maintenance and beat me up. I bought this car from an estate a couple weeks ago; it sat while the owner was ill and then while the estate was being settled. It has a sticker in the window from the oil change place with the date and miles; also I have the odometer reading. As soon as I got it running long enough to warm it up I changed the oil. Water pump + coolant change coming up.

 

Have you checked the fuel filter yet to see the condition of your tanks?
its really important if the car has been sitting.

 

haha oops, disregard that last post, I just saw your reply on your previous thread, sorry man, sounds like you did the right thing =) best of luck to you.

 

No problem; I am changing the fuel filter again; l will start checking and cleaning grounds and looking for intake leaks; all the usual checks which are needed. It needs a water pump and bearing for the AC compressor.
I wonder about the thin undercoating which is peeling off in large thin brittle flakes underneath, mostly in the wheel wells. Shiny black paint underneath, no rust, but seems like it ought to be replaced.

 

Hi Wascator

There's probably a whole host of jobs needing doing on this car that has sat for so many years. A complete brake fluid change is essential, and check the tyres date as these deteriorate just standing.

AS regards the underside, it sounds like an after-market coating has been put on after the car was made. I find the oily-waxy stuff better for rust proofing.

Check the front screen each bottom corner. Bubbling and rust here indicates a screen-out job to repair the damage or car will leak water into the passenger compartment.

Doug Dwyer may come on with some other tips, no doubt