i notice a little oil residue on a few different areas right below the covers . im betting its the result of old gaskets beggin to be replaced.

is there anthing tricky about the removal of the covers?? and are there things that i need to be forewarned about before i do any unintended damage

 

No tricks on removal. Removing the engine bay diagonal cross-braces helps....or at least un-do one end on each to swing 'em out of the way.

On reinstallation use new copper washers under the little dome nuts and be very gentle tightening.....use a "three finger pull* on a short wrench or short 1/4" drive ratchet. I think the torque spec is 5 ft/lbs

Getting good cam cover gaskets for the old XK engines is tough. I've never been able to find anything but very thin paper gaskets....which work fine IF both surfaces are pristine. That's a big "IF" because usually the cam cover mating surface has been gouged all to hell.

You didn't mention it but there's been much debate over the years on the "sealant" or "no sealant" dilemma. My experience is "no sealnt needed" if the mating surfaces are good. If in doubt, use sealant. My favorite is Permatex #2. You'll get different opinons on all this. Do whatever you think is best. There's no Jaguar god who will smite you either way :-)

DO use a dab of sealant on the "half moon seals" at the rear of each cover, though!


Cheers
DD