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I have a XJ6 S3 m8d 1979 which has 8L8998 then hard to read stamp maybe ebds in 5916-H
Think L long studs, H High compression ratio. The S2 had 7L and
Think engine number of a spare engine is 8L83536-H on a spare engine block. Seller said it was a s3 but have got cyl head off yet and I don't know if it's got the s3 water water slits between the bores.
Anyone know if 8L83536-H is a s3 engine serial code or s2.
8L indicates the later, allegedly stronger block compared to the 7L, but both versions still suffer cracking between the bores, only cured by Jaguar changing the cross-block passages on later engines. These later engines are the so-called "slotted block" engines. This was the last modification to the venerable XK engine because Jaguar were getting ready to introduce the all-aluminiuim AJ6 engine and didn't want to spend money on an engine that was shortly to be taken out of production.
Does anyone know when the slotted block came into use? I have changed my engine from a cracked non-slotted block to a fuel injected series engine. Is it likely to be slotted? The original engine was 8L33771S and cracked between the bores.
Last edited by Alexander Gurney; Dec 8, 2024 at 10:05 AM.
Think mine had 8L988☆☆☆-H (cannot read it fully, maybe due to dirt) but log book lists a different partial code think because engine was reconditioned and maybe block got changed for a sep 79 s3 XJ6 so expect first production s3 in Apr 79 started with 8L but maybe had 5 or 6 digits after the 8L prefix. Bought a spare engine with 8L83536-H but don't know if it's a s2 or s3 yet. Someone told me Jaguar changed water ways in s3 block and put vertical ribs lines on side of block.
Know suffix is for higher compression pistons whereas S was standard. Read somewhere they may have been a L for low compression suffix.. Some of last s2 started with 8L but has SU carbs The starting prefix L for long studs on S2 and S3
on Jag lovers site there is list of engine numbers by car type like very early SS cars and v12 or double six, but it doesnt serm to detail much about S3. One says E type was 7R not 7L so the first two digits seem denote the car type aswell. On one it gave 8L54076 onwards as possibly being S3. Also some talk about S3 being big valve heads. Wish there was a definitive list on the Web.
Hope that helps.
Does anyone know when the slotted block came into use? I have changed my engine from a cracked non-slotted block to a fuel injected series engine. Is it likely to be slotted? The original engine was 8L33771S and cracked between the bores.
I don't think there was ever any announcement about the slotted blocks. My 1980 was fuel injected but had the cracking. AFAIK, the slotted blocks came in around 1983
Sorry for the delay! I have attempted to find the engine number, but I cannot get to it because of other kit in the way! I know that it is at the rear of the engine just below the head on the left hand side looking from the drivers seat. (rhd) I know I made a note of it BUT.... AlecG.
This engine supposedly came from a series 2 XJ6, but I think it may be a bit later.
Anyone like to confirm that the 4 83 on the inlet side of the block is the casting date?
The engine number is 8L 147035 H. It has a head that has the spigots for an air pump, and I did not think series 3 engines had these.
Think from Apr 1979 was ifirst s3 Engine numbers 8L 111640 to 111737 as April
So think your no 8L 147035 H could be a s3.
The s3 block had water slits between bores and water slits and ribs introduced down block and has
Think S2 were built from 1974 to March 1979 s3 from Apr 79.
only way to find out is to take head off.is long studs and prefix H is high compression. Think S3 had bigger valves and shorter piston stroke.
I bought a spare engine which think is a s2 as there are only 5 digits after the 8L so bought by mistake. My xj6 s3 had FI so electronic points
My block had a crack on top of water slit to one bore. Told can get block skimmed and put a Shim say 3mm on top to keep the valve clearance.
Thanks Ken,
I must have made a mistake in my earlier investigations as I looked up series 2 engine numbers and came up with an early 1975 car, but mistook the engine number as 8L 14735, which is only 100,000 units out. Your information on series3 numbers tallies with a 1983 date for this engine
My engine number was 8L222572-H it has extensive cracking between the cylinder bores. My newer engine is 8L144973-H. Does this engine come from a series 3? It was fuel injected so I assume so! Is it likely to be prone to inter-bore cracking?
My engine number was 8L122572-H it has extensive cracking between the cylinder bores. My newer engine is 8L144973-H. Does this engine come from a series 3? It was fuel injected so I assume so! Is it likely to be prone to inter-bore cracking?
I thought that this engine block modification was used to alleviate cracking between the bores? I understand they had head gasket problems and that was the main problem.
But your block numbers help confirm that the date of this engine that I have is around 1983.
Engine number decipher on XJ6 with XK 4.2 engine
