First post in this forum!! I have just obtained an xjs for a whopping zero dollars, it was abandoned on some guys property by a previous tenant and he wanted it gone, so I took it. It’s in surprisingly good condition, it has next to no body rust and only a small patch of rust on the floor boards. I was debating an engine swap or if I should keep the v12, however after hearing a few sound clips the v12 is here to stay. This is my very first project car, maybe not the simplest but hell it was free. I have a decent amount of mechanical knowledge and am capable of doing some fabrication work myself, so I’m not too worried about being able to fix things. Since this car has been sitting for an unknown period, what are some things I should check up on first to try and get it running? I’d imagine fresh gas and oil would be first course of action. It has no keys at the moment, however I read somewhere that there are codes for the key on the ignition cylinder?? getting a key cut would be the first thing I will do, that way I’ll actually be able to steer the damn thing as well. Any tips for possible simplifying the vacuum line, fuel, and ignition systems for reliability would be very helpful, as it seems those are the number one places of failure from what I’ve read. I apologize if a lot of these questions have been asked before!! I’m entirely new to forums in general and I’m not entirely sure I’m posting in the correct place. Thank you all for any advice.

 

It's always a good idea to build a signature with the car's year-coupe or convert etc.
Also nice to know where you are from too.

 

You followed the link I sent you, so you're in the right place. Start here: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...he-v12-178286/

 

There is nothing as expensive as a free Jaguar.

 

Aw come on don't rain on the poor guys parade. Free is always Great! Anything takes time, effort, and money. As long as all parts are there, the fixin will be an adventure, and a learning process. With all the knowledge and experience he will gain. Priceless! Plus when he's finished he will have a JAG!
Just my thoughts.

Jack

 

Free is a real good start Hayden - but. There is always a but.
The body and interior trim are the thing to be sure about because they can be expensive to fix.
The engine, transmission and running gear "can be" expensive but for a DIY person a lot of things can be fixed at modest cost with new and used parts.

Good idea to give:
1. Your location, because that makes a difference to some of the answers you will get.
2. More information about the year and type of XJS you have. VIN number could help too.
3. A few photos of the body, interior and engine bay might help.

Then get started. There are other Jaguar forums too that cover the XJS although you are already on one of the best.

 

Don’t get too excited about rebuilding the engine or transmission. Most of the “junk” V12’s I’ve gotten over many decades are in perfect mechanical condition. Typically it’s simple things that keep them from running.
Treat it like any engine. Check to make sure it has oil. Drain any antifreeze or coolant. In fact flush it out as best you can.
Once you get the key, put a good battery in it. Then take an air cleaner off and squirt some starting fluid in it and see if it will try to start.
If nothing coughs or anything pull a spark plug to see if it has spark.
You need fuel and spark. If you have one look for the other. Greatly simplifies trouble shooting. There are some easy and cheap solutions. The Jaguar dealer isn’t a good place to keep your wallet filled. Some of these cars predate anybody’s experience at the dealership.
You’ll know as much as they do.
use this and Kirby’s book on the XJS. It’s a free download here.