So I'm picking up my new (to me) '89 XJS convertible tomorrow, and just wondered if y'all could advise me on any preventative maintenance I should do right away. The previous owner had it parked in a garage for the last 2 years, and it is in great shape. All the electronics are working, engine purrs like a kitten, and the upholstery and top are immaculate. I'm not really a "car guy", but I can handle most routine stuff, and with a 20 year old sports car I expect to.

Any advice you can give me will be greatly appreciated!

 

New fuel hoses in the engine bay are important on a Jag V12. I'd want to replce them sooner than later unless there's proof that the previous owner already did so.

If yours has Marelli igntion...a mid-89 change...it is very important that the ignition system be up-to-snuff, particularly the distributor cap and rotor.

Both of the above are potential engine fire issues.

Beyong that it's all typical used car stiff: fluid changes (brake, trans, differential), filters (air and fuel), drive belts, cooling hoses, front wheel bearing repack, inspect brakes, cooling system flush.

Personally, when I buy a used car I like to do the whole nine yards at once and get it over with.

Others will chime in.

Cheers
DD

 

I read about the fuel hoses in some other threads, any recommendations where to buy them?

 

I reckon that Motorcars Ltd., one of our forum sponsors, can fix you up quite easily.

Are you planning on doing the work yourself?

Cheers
DD

 

If I can. How complicated is it?

Also, how do I tell if it has the Marelli ignition system?

 

For the injectors you'll need to remove the fuel rail and fuel injectors, slice off the old hoses, reinstall new, and reassemble everything.

For the fuel supply and return pipes, with are metal/hose combinations, you'll need to remove the pipes and do the same....slice off old hoses and install new.

There are several ways to identify Marelli ignition. Are there *two* coil wires going to the center of the distributor cap? If so, that's Marelli. If the panel above the radiator has two square-ish modules mounted on top, it's Marelli.

What are the last 6 digits of the vehicle ID number? The Marelli change was at 157xxx or something like that. I can't remember exactly but if yours is well below that number it's safe to say you have Lucas ignition and if it's well above that it's safe to say you have Marelli.

The Lucas ignition is a good system and easier to deal with but it has some quirks to look for as well, which can be discussed if you confirm that you don't have Marelli.

Cheers
DD

 

If you're in Canada or the USA check NAPA or any Auto parts supply place, just make sure that the guy selling you hoses is selling you genuine fuel hoses and not coolant hoses as other hoses are not reinforced like fuel hoses and cannot stand up to the pressure or what gas does to rubber. I had to change one of my hoses on my 88 XJS because the last owner used regular hose and it was leaking, so I had my mechanic install a genuine fuel hose. Also I am buying a fire extinguisher for my car, right now I have a fire extinguisher but it is powder and not under pressure.

 

You won't find the hoses new anywhere. They powers that be stopped producing them a couple of years ago. Fortunately, our Black Dog Manufacturing division has reproduced them. They are here:

http://www.motorcarsltd.com/eac9986.kit.html