Recently had a no-start condition. Diagnosis was straightforward. The pickup coil had gone "open". Replaced pickup coil and varoooom !

But that's not what I wanted to talk about.

I used an Airtex 4P1283 replacement part. Googling the Jaguar AEU1721 part number and the Airtex 4P1283 part number revealed absolutely identical parts....at least according to vendor pictures. Even vendors advertising true OEM show the very same part, right down to the wiring colors, connector colors, and finish of the metal parts.

Of course some vendors use 'stock' photographs, and some others play it fast-n-loose in using the term "OEM".

Well, anyhow, there was a slight snag.

For those unfamiliar with replacing the pickup it involves setting an air gap....the adjustment capability provided by an elongated slot on the mounting block of the pickup. Two screws, one acting as a pivot point, the other residing in the slot. The arrangement and process is similar to replacing breaker points in an old fashioned distributor. However, I was unable to obtain the correct gap; the elongated slot wasn't long enough.

Aggravating, but the fix was to simply enlarge the slot with a small file. Ten minutes.

Not sure if this situation was unique to this particular instance, or indicative of poor quality control and/or incorrect specs in the aftermarket, or what. Just offering my experience as a "head's up".

As an aside, and really even more importantly, I'll offer this....

When doing this job do NOT engage in conversation with others, especially during reassembly mode. Doing so greatly increases the risk of getting *everything* buttoned back together and THEN discovering the distributor flash shield sitting on the roof of the car. You'll find this to be .....annoying.

Cheers
DD

 

Next time I think you can safely leave it there, Doug!


Greg

 

I was sorely tempted.

In the end I decided doing so would create an itch that no amount of scratching would cure.

Cheers
DD

 

Yes, I broke the spade terminal off the temperature gauge sender years ago when I was renovating, bought a new one allegedly OEM from my local Jaguar spares and it made the gauge run midway between the N & H, pulled the OEM one off my spare 6.0L and viola the gauge was now correct.

 

Not an uncommon aftermarket foul up.

Simply fixed of course, but should not have to that path.

I usually forget the rotor.

Glad the S Types have no rotor, whoopee.