Hello All,

First post after my introduction.

I have recently bought a 1986 Series III XJ6 Sovereign. The car was parked underground for 5 years and not started in that time. I paid $1000 for it. The interior is immaculate, dash, headliner, seats, carpet wood etc are in great shape. The body needs a little work, but nothing falling off or holes. I have had it towed home and now comes the work to try and start it. I have had the plugs out and put a little oil in the chambers. I am stuck as to how to hand crank the engine. I can get a socket on the crank, but no room for the ratchet. Having said that, I have yet to try a shallow socket. What is the best way to tackle this? Will I have to remove the fan and shroud? I did try a battery in the car, everything works, but the starter just clicks. Worried me a bit, so thought that I should try and manually turn the engine.

Thank you all in advance, I shall post pictures soon.

 

I did this only once and had to remove the shroud. Others may have a better way.

That said, it's a bit unusual for an engine to seize up unless it was stored with water in the cylinders.

I wonder if you actually have a problem with the starter or starter circuit?

Engine Will Not Crank Checklist

Cheers
DD

 

1-5/16" short socket on a 22" long 1/2" square steel tube & 1/4" u-bolt . Socket will fit on crank bolt. Tool will fit in from the top, between front of engine and radiator fan. You should turn engine Clockwise looking from the front of car. With plugs out it should turn smoothly.
This will help when you want to set-up static distributor timing; also, you will want to check cam to cam follower clearances while the cam covers are off to correct oil leaks)



Rgds David

 

Before even attempting to start the engine, first change the oil and oil filter.
You can use the cheapest oil available, as long as it is in spec.

When you have the engine running, drive for approx. 100 miles to warm everything up really well and change the oil again for the good stuff.
Your engine will thank you!

 

Or ?

As our weather is out of sync for spring, I've sought other sources of education or merely entertainment. TV "normal" channels not enough ! Smart VIZIO TV and old You Tube material. Super spread of interests.

Relevance: Jonathan Winan's posts. Usual job. Self employed tow truck operator.
Other. Start up old cars that have not run in decades. Usually successful!!


Check him out. educational and entertaining... Nixes in some philosophy!!

Carl

 

The inlet valves on Series 3s were the same as used in the D-type racers, - large ! The valve included angle was changed to make them fit. The downside is that they get a bit close to the pistons and if a bit lazy coming back, can result in a bent valve. This happened to me after a rather lengthy engine rebuild when the cylinder head was finished and set aside for some time whilst I did the bottom half. So make sure you take the cam covers off and get some oil around the tops of the valve to lubricate the guides.

 

Thank you all,

Shall try this weekend. Stand by for update

 

This works great