I'm over here from the XF and XJ sides. I'm working with a nice 90' XJS convertible with 50K original miles. Engine is very clean. Found a slight accumulation of oil on the front of the engine below the main pulley. I was working on some cosmetic issues when I found marked feathering on the inside edges of the front tires. More pronounced on the left-side. When I look at the car the suspension looks compressed. I don't know if its normal or the springs can't hold the car up any more. I would think there a serious toe-in problem. I asking the experts if there some suspension issues which may be the primary issue and not just an alignment problem. I was told the front end was recently redone. I would like any input from the experts. After lifting the hood this car scares me compared to my 04 XJ VDP and my 11' XF SC.

 

Spring sag is fairly common on XJSs and the Ser I-II-III sedans.

Also, in some cases, the subframe rusts and actually start to collapse.

Cheers
DD

 

Feathering on the inside edge is, I believe, evidence of too much toe out. I think starting with an good quality alignment check is a sensible first step. If the front end was redone, then the new wishbone bushes and track rod ends should be obvious. If they are, there is a good chance the alignment post-rebuild was not done properly, or not done at all!

Greg

 

Also, if suspension looks compressed you could have the wrong springs, e.g for a 3.6 or even for an early 4.2 sedan.

Oil leak: Most likely the front crankshaft seal being overdue for a replacement. It can be done in situ without removing the rad. I recommend protecting the rad with cardboard once the fan has been removed. The woodruff key on the crank has to come out to get the spacer out which is recommended because there is a track worn from the seal. Just put the spacer back the other way. OTOH with only 50k miles on the clock you may get away with replacing the seal only.

 

It will go to the Jag dealer for an alignment and Iwill let you know what they find. I suspect that when the front end was "redone" it was tie rods ends and not ball joints and bushings. The oil leak is also what I suspected. Its good to know you can change it with out removing the radiator. It is my understanding purging air out of the V-12 cooling system can be very difficult.

To remove the pulley to get at the seal, is that done from the top or under side while on a lift and do you need some type of puller?

 

I find it less troublesome from above if removing the bonnet (quickly done but scribe first then you do not need to fiddle around forever to align it again. Working from below you need to loosen some items and bring them out of the way. A toss up at the end of the day, but you need a mate to remove/replace the bonnet to avoid damage. The pulley sits on a cone so a whack with a copper mallet will see it come loose.

BTW a key to purge the cooling system is to pour in coolant SLOOOOWLY

 

The solution for the tire featuring was a front end alignment. Front end bushings were replaced and along with tie rod ends. It would appear the parts were replaced and the last shop did not send it out for an alignment.
Just going to leave the slight oil leak for now. Thank you for your help.