Attached are some photos of how things progress on the cooling restoration of the cat.

One photo shows the end of one cooling pipe along with a new gasket. So far so good, but notice the o-ring at the end of the pipe. I didn't see a mention of it in Kirby's book, and am not having luck finding a part # for it. Is it essential?

I must have been madly confused when ordering gaskets, as I ended up order two sets of thermostat gaskets from different suppliers. One is from Beck/Arnley, and pretty much looks and feels like cardboard. The other looks/feels more like some plastic material. Comments on the difference?

The primed-and-painted valve cover is in the foreground, while the mostly stripped and not yet painted valve cover is in the background.

Thanks,

John
1987 XJS V12, 62,000 miles

 

If the yellow pipe is the pipe that runs between the front and back water manifolds, the O ring should not be there. Push the 'top hat' seal into the manifold and then push the pipe into the manifold/seal opening. A touch of silicone gease etc helps if needed.

Go for the black gasket, which is the more modern goretex-type material, I believe.

Greg