I bought my xj12 (1988) inexpensively. I knew there were issues and have a list (I did have a prepurchase report done by a Jag specialist shop). The first things I am having seen too are rear differential whine and inboard brake caliper. Next comes
injector hoses (they are original... I was advised to replace them)
Heater (only works on high)
AC (needs charging... it is upgraded)
sunroof motor is lazy

I am inclined to have the injector lines done and have plugs replaced while this is being done then leave the other stuff until later. I will also have all fluids changed.

Any advice/commentary would be appreciated.

Thus far this forum has been informative and generous !!

 

Sounds like a fairly good list of Priority One items- safety and security before comfort !!

I had a rear caliper seize-on on my way to holiday some years back (XJ6 1980). Not something you want to happen at a time like that. Make sure other caliper is checked/done at the same time. Fronts are easy to get at. Rear diffs can whine for ages, but best to deal with now if you have the money available.

Apart from your list, you need to do a full inspection and service, but I expect you knew this already.

 

Yes, thanks, I knew what I was getting into. Any advice on how to clean the bulb that runs the fibre optics to the instruments ? They are dim and I suspect its the bulb itself.

 

Pretty sure the main gauges have their own bulbs. You can grab the ring of the gauge and rotate the gauge counterclockwise (I believe). The gauge rotates between 1/8 and 1/4 turn and disengages the spring/clip that holds it so the gauge can be pulled out. Then you should be able to remove the bulb holders from the gauges and replace the bulbs.

The fiber optic lighting on the center stack items is from a bulb under the shifter console. You have to remove the armrest, storage tray, and then the shifter surround to access the bulb for this "Opticell" unit that is the source of light. Then you can remove, clean, or replace the bulb. Don't use a higher wattage bulb, the plastic will melt. LED's have been used by some. There is a little more info in the following thread:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ead.php?t=5268

 

When you are doing the injector lines, do ALL the fuel lines!, the ones in the trunk, and the little return lines behind the rear wheels.... ask me what happens when you forget those ones!!!!

 

Way, way, back in the early 90s I tried to replace the bulb under the gearshift console that illuminates the dash control via fibre optic cabling. So I finally got to the bulb, only to find I could not get a replacement, it was no longer available !!

I believe it is now possible to replace the bulb with LEDs, and this is the best way to proceed if this is the case. The bulb just gets dimmer and dimmer over the years as I found out. I never did replace it, and I had the car 14 years

 

Darrenmb: what happens?

I replaced those short hoses on mine today, they were the only ones I hadn't done yet. I didn't want to be jinxed by reading that foreboding post. Did you also replace the ones that go from the non-return valve to the fuel tank? I think the valance panel under the tank has to come off to get to the other end. I should have done that when I had them off. Dang.

 

the one from the non return valve to the tank is the one i am talking about. I could smell fuel while i was driving but could never locate the smell until one day the line actually split, then i had a river of fuel running down my driveway, luckily i noticed it while i was home and didnt drive!!! 27 year old rubber hoses have a way of giving up suddenly!!!