I am trying to remove the radiator from my 1976 XJ-S. Everything on top is removed and has wiggle room. But somehow the oil cooler is connected to the radiator and the lower hose is impossible to get to.

Any ideas on what to try next? Do any curse words work better than others?

This is my learning Jaguar, so I am not in a hurry and I want to do things right. Over the next few years I want to learn everything about this V12 engine. OK, and I want to get this beast running again. Can't be that complicated. :-)

 

Nevermind. I got the radiator out. Once I unbolted the belt-driven fan and removed the fan housing there was plenty of space.

 

Removing leaking radiator was the first job I did on XJS (which was also the first ever Jag I owned). That lower radiator hose is PITA to get to and remove. Since then I tackled a few things, including replacing alternator, changing belts, getting into the Vee, replacing spark plugs, overhauling dizzy, TPS, wiper motors, etc. To date, lower radiator removal was one of the hardest things (maybe because it was one of the first).

You have my sympathy

 

Well done.

Its all in the angle of the dangle.

2ND is thinking like a Pom in the 1960's, not easy.

Removing other things to even see where you are wanting to go is part of the course.

I went Efans waaaaay back, pre computer/Forum days, and the room for access is HUGE, and the fans take mere minutes to remove for that access.

There is an Aussie "words for special moments" book available, hahahaha, but you have a V12, so you already have an imagination, just let the words flow, in any language, the Jag will understand.

 

The best part of the day was that I got the engine to turn over with a wrench. The pistons had been soaking in WD40 for two weeks.

Now the big question is, do I still take the whole thing apart to learn more? This is supposed to be my learning car.

 

NAH, its a V12, FAITH mate, and truly they are a strong engine, particularly the PreHE versions.

If it rotates, work at it, slowly, day by day, and then when all the outside bits are sorted, give it a try on the starter, you may get a surprise.

Sir Arthur, wifes XJ12, way back in 1994, had sat for several years, engine was out for a Chev conversion, OOPS, she stole the car from the guy, and we put it back as made originally, and I fired it up for a split second without the radiator, or much else for that matter, either attached, or even in the car. Once I had that assurance, the rest of the refit followed. Still "proceeding" with 540000kms on the clock.

If you really want to dismantle a V12 in situ (NOT EASY), go for it. Lots will be learnt.