Hey guys

Took the 86 XJS for a ride tonight to keep its juices flowing. Temps here have ranged from -10 Celcius to about -1 degree over the last week.

It really seemed like the engine ran louder.

I also noticed that the steering seemed heavier and not near as nimble.

Is it just me or or is there something about Jags and colder weather that I don`t know.

Thanks

BStone

 

My XJS did the same in cold wether---heavier steering. I never really knew why. Perhaps the fluid doesn't flow as easily?

Ages ago rack and pinion systems were known for "morning sickess"....lack of power assist for a short while each morning. It had to do with the seals in the rack not doing their job properly when cold. Perhaps the XJS issue is similar? I'd call Coventry West. They do tons of Jaguar rack and pinion rebuilds. Dick Maury or Greg Wells will know the answer.

Not sure about the noise. Can you describe it? Is it a moaning sound?

Cheers
DD

 

Thanks for the answer Doug. The noise is just the engine sounds louder from the hood.

Coudl have been my imagination I suppose but I also thought the power was a bit low. Felt like I needed to put more pedal on it to get it to speed. It felt a bit better on the way back I thought.

Then again maybe I am being over sensitive to the monas and squeaks of my car!

 

Here's a thought...although it's a bit of a stretch....

How's your brake fluid? If it is contaminated with water (common occurence) the water could freeze, expand, and apply the brakes.

<shrug>

Cheers
DD

 

Just an observation, but at -10°C the air is going to be denser and giving the car a better charge. So it might well be running better. Sounding a bit different.

However as Doug says, this may be offset by 'watery' brake fluid, which is hygroscopic and attracts water over time.

And now I will leave it to the experts ^^

 

Hmmmm...you may be onto soming with the brakes. When I bought the car back in May I had it inspected and it was noted that the brake reservoir cap was slightly warped and also that the fluid was a bit dirty.

I was putting this off flushing til next season as I pretty much have to park the car now that winter is effectively here

 

I don't know about the steering, but my '88 XJS made more noise in real cold weather, but then I got straight pipes on it. I live 500 miles north of the American border and it gets COLD here, -35 sometimes. But it ran like a charm, always started, I never got stuck like I seen some trucks. There were a few vehicles, both cars and trucks that were stranded at the bottom of the parking lot ramp, I got up no problem......of course I had studded tires, AND the XJS weighs as much as a small tank~!~! ha ha ......

 

I was living in colder climes with my previous 89 XJS. She's definitely a bit different in extremely cold weather: There was always a slight moaning sound from the power steering system, and the transmissions would whirrrrrrr quietly until it had warmed up for a few minutes. The sounds and general feeling of sluggishness would gradually disappear as the engine reached normal operating temperature.