Anyone tell me what this is?
 

Hi all, American specs Series 1 (1971) and, I think, mostly stock. Any other owners got a flimsy black plastic thing running beside the plugs on their engine? Hope the picture is clear enough.

It doesn't seemingly do anything or is that a problem: Ought it do something?

I'm guessing that what you're seeing was, 40 years ago, a full length sheath for all six plug wires.

Cheers
DD

X2

Randy

OK, yes, that makes sense. I'll leave it for the sake of "age' then, maybe.

Thanks, I honestly had no idea.

yes, it is there to protect the spark plug wires from heat. All Jaguar cars had them. Eventually they dry out and start breaking apart. Made of cardboard. The old Service Manuals call it a "loom".

Caveat:


Old Ford V8's and some Chrysler products used them. But in metal. Cross fire issues as the old cloth covered spark plug wires detiorated. The very devil to replace wires in the right order. And, some say cross fire issues merely by having parallel wires, best to 'tangle" them a bit.


But,as long as wires are healthy probably mostly OK.

Thanks, all. All the wires are nicely cased in plastic so doubt there's a need for it now. Car is a driver but if I ever tried to graduate her to show I'd use it.