Preparation touch-up for track days ahead.
 

We have two track days coming up over the next few weeks. Jaguar National Rally track day(Regularity Event) at Lakeside International Raceway on the 17th, then Euro Day at the same track on 1st May(All in speed fest if you want to). Not that an XJ6 is good for that, but I'll give it a good go.

So this weekend has been put aside to give the old girl a once over. The rear shocks are being replaced and give the uni joints a lube and have a bit of look at everything else while she's in the air.

I have had a couple of occasions where I haven't been happy with the engine temp( not over heating, but getting up around 1/2 or gnats dick above a couple of times), so going to swap the thermostat for another new one(old one 3 weeks old) and replace radiator cap.

The trans pan has a bit of a leak so the fluid will get a freshen up and pan re-sealed. We are thinking the power plant should be ok since it hasn't done 1000 miles from new yet.

First things first, safely up on stands. Notice the helper...meet Salem.

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Good idea.

I reckon that the slight temp is more than likely that "tight" engine. Some do it, some dont. It takes about 3000km+ for a properly built engine to settle.

Also check that timing now the chains, mainly the lower, have settled. A tad of retard will run it hotter for sure.

Phill is not completely happy with my 6 month old radiator cap so that is why it is being replaced. Thermostat is a cheap bit of insurance so it will be tested before going in. Too much coin put into this engine to take chances.
Timing will be checked.

Is it possible you've developed a slight blockage somewhere....rad? Is it going up at idle......just a thought.

Rad rebuilt just before new engine. Everything in that department new. Water pump, hoses all done recently.
Not enough heat to be a concerned about overheating, just not used to it moving around. As Grant says, may be just the tight engine.
Drove to the Gold Coast and back yesterday doing about 70 mp/h all the way...no issues at all and it was a hot day.

I love it when boxes of goodies arrive from Jagdaim!

Hi Clarke
Salem's Lot in the flesh....Great!
Don't work on the car in the dark on your own though..... :)
I had a black cat called Satchmo but he wasn't into music.
Changing radiator cap is prudent. I posted last year about coolant loss which took a while to pinpoint. Poor seal of said cap was the culprit.
Personally not into regularity events, but getting a run on any race track should be good fun in these most capable GT sports saloons.
Have fun & cheers,
Nigel

Nigel, not working on my own in the dark, the wife is hanging out in the garage with me tonight.

I changed the radiator cap when you did last time after reading your coolant loss thread. But I was still losing a bit, may have been the early signs of the failing head gasket.

I won't be driving the regularity event, my mate Phill will be driving that day, and both doing sessions at the Euro day two weeks later.

As you say, always fun to get a run on a race track.

Trans cleaned up ready for Greymaxx sealant, just got to attack the pan now and leave the trans to drain over night.

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Lots of heat in a confined space in these car's engine bay. Racing will
exacerbate it!


The timing that counts in racing is what is "all in" vacuum and mechanical advance. As Grant says, a tad late will make the engine run a bit hotter. Good for emisons, not power!!!


The forward hinged bonnet offers a way to assist the hot air's departure from the engine bay. Don't close it all the way....
Old tech in various critters way back!!


If it makes you feel better, attach a third opening stop. A short chain
at the rear.


Sounds like barrels of fun coming up!!!


Keep the shiny side up, keep safe.....


Carl

Carl, the last thing anyone wants to see is a car go rubber side up. But fun will be had.

Sounds like its going to be fun! Would love to find something like that here, its more fun driving it than washing it!!!

I'll soon be taking on similar jobs, Clarke.
May 6&7 is coming up a Show & Shine in a town only a few miles away, and I've decided to enter Nix.

We happened upon the competition part last year, and we said to ourselves, "Nix would wipe up the floor with these! They would cower and shrink back in fear at her very shadow! Judges would Dismiss ALL those lesser entries and show them the gate!"

But she was up on stands at the time so there was No Way! This year, however.........
(';')

Clarke doesn't know it yet but I'm going to drive it like I stole it. payment for the hours of hard labour, mwahahaha. I promise I'll look after his baby.

Dr Phill.

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Give it some Doc....Give it some....oh and piccies please.

The Dr doesn't hold back. Clarke doesn't know what he's in for. Can someone explain this gentleman's agreement we are ment to have. I don't own it so I don't care.lol. would never do it to him.

Dr Phill

Scared Dr Phill?
 

Hi new to this, but Dr Phill sounds scared. Can he handle your jag?

Hello, ElinorB here. Welcome to our playroom.
Since we don't know you yet, I'll assume that's a serious question and you're not just funnin' us.

Reports to date indicate that Dr. Phill fears Nothing and can handle the car at least as well as Clarke can!
(';')

Just wondering Clarke. Refreshed rear end , new engine, suspension updates, track days how far are we away from a manual conversion. Big job or out of reach for a lot of us but for you and the Dr? coupla days.

Well it has been discussed, and should the tranny go pear shaped.........had my eye out for one for a while. Not really searching, just keeping a finger on the pulse.

Ok people, the Drs in the house. Love the thought of going manual but I don't think Holenger do a 6 speed for a XJ6 yet. Nor do I feel Clarke could afford it.will keep dreaming for the time being, Dr Phill

The Drs in the house
 

Hi to all, finally got my own post so I can keep Clarke in check.

I charge like a wounded bull so think twice before asking any tech based questions however the beer economy does work well up here,lol


Enter clinking beer mugs here,hahaha.