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Ha ha ! Yes, I found this diaphragm at the top of the outside of the rear inner wheel arch when I removed the fuel tanks on my 1980 XJ6. However I don't remember them having wing nuts, though. As I recall, I removed the putty and soaked it in rust preventative called Waxoyl, a product on sale here in the UK, and got it nice and flexible again. With the space left by removing the putty, I squirted this waxoyl into the forward section of the wheel arch, then put the putty back. I don' think I ever removed the diaphragm. It seemed to me it was there to stop fuel vapour getting forward into the car. There would seem no other logical purpose. I also found putty had been inserted into the crevice where wheel arch and wing met at a welded joint. This was a notorious rust point, but due to the putty, mine was like new, so like the other seal, I removed the putty, squirted in yet more Waxoyl and onto the putty and replaced it. Even though this was a 1980 car, the WORST for quality in Jaguar EVER, I neve got any corrosion on the rear wheel arches.
Of course I found plenty elsewhere and that was why the fuel tanks were out, to repair the back end incl a new valance, quarter panels and boot floor, plus repairs to the rear of the rear wheel arches. All a long time ago in the late 80s..........."back in the day"
Of course, you could always remove the diaphragm and have a look-see. Post photos if you do.
Ha ha ! Yes, I found this diaphragm at the top of the outside of the rear inner wheel arch when I removed the fuel tanks on my 1980 XJ6. However I don't remember them having wing nuts, though. As I recall, I removed the putty and soaked it in rust preventative called Waxoyl, a product on sale here in the UK, and got it nice and flexible again. With the space left by removing the putty, I squirted this waxoyl into the forward section of the wheel arch, then put the putty back. I don' think I ever removed the diaphragm. It seemed to me it was there to stop fuel vapour getting forward into the car. There would seem no other logical purpose. I also found putty had been inserted into the crevice where wheel arch and wing met at a welded joint. This was a notorious rust point, but due to the putty, mine was like new, so like the other seal, I removed the putty, squirted in yet more Waxoyl and onto the putty and replaced it. Even though this was a 1980 car, the WORST for quality in Jaguar EVER, I neve got any corrosion on the rear wheel arches.
Of course I found plenty elsewhere and that was why the fuel tanks were out, to repair the back end incl a new valance, quarter panels and boot floor, plus repairs to the rear of the rear wheel arches. All a long time ago in the late 80s..........."back in the day"
Of course, you could always remove the diaphragm and have a look-see. Post photos if you do.
I will be inside the rear wing, cleaning up and treating the surface rust, today.
I never even considered removing the putty. I assumed that being 50 yo, it would be hard and brittle. But, if it is still pliant, I will investigate further to see if there is more treatment required behind the diaphragm. I will post pics, if I delve deeper.
I am pleased to see how little rust I am finding, so far. Hopefully nothing major, but time will tell.
What do these wingnuts hold?
