I have to admit, everything about the XJS v12 fascinates me. I am going over every bit of maintenance that needs to be addressed on my 1992 convertible. Have done all rotors/brakes/bearings/shocks. Today I watched my back yard mechanic put a new GM Saginaw power steering pump on. I was glued to every detail and move he made. The brand new pump did not come with belt pulley or reservoir attached. My boy flew at it from the top. I removed several rad hoses, and the outer air intake and filter removed and the work started. We did not have to remove the overflow rad tank as the pump wiggled out. Even tho the new pump came with pressure valve that popped out, we used the original in new pump. The amount of wrenches / sockets used was like an operating table in a hospital but it was all done in four hours. My boy never stopped for a break and charged me $140 for the job. The steering is unbelievable and a pleasure to drive and I intend to enjoy the summer. By the time I am through, this jag will mechanically in tack. I just love the V12, it’s the finest drive ever, and I mean ever.

 

You found one gem of a mechanic!

 

You got that right and I plan to treat him right as long as I can drive.

 

You realize that a mechanic proficient and daring enough to tackle an XJS is worth more than a fleet of XJS's? If I were them, I'd be worried about being kidnapped!

 

I agree, I have seen mechanics and shops who don't even want to see you near them. The truth is that when you watch my back yard mechanic work and offer some advise based on what I have learned from this fabulas forum, he welcomes what I offer. Even tho he has never worked on a V12 xjs, so far, he has breezed through the drive train without grumbling with ease. From my observations, he just understands automotive. When I asked what was his next job, he said he was finishing up the transfer of an entire kenworth Cab /wiring/motor to another truck, yet he stopped everything and worked on my car.

 

Would the collective XJS and XJ6 communities be willing to chip in for a nice apartment for this UNICORN in a central location (preferably in the US - and near Houston would be ideal LOL) so we can ALL benefit?? I'm down for $100 / month plus his labor rates on my repairs. NEXT???

 

How true. You can overlook a mechanics general appearance such as dirty coveralls, fingernails and dirt on a face. what I look for is how clean he is about putting parts back together and having a clean playing field. Before installing the new pump, he pressure washed the entire work area. I could not believe the added safeguards that took place to ensure no drivetrain dirt was visible. I have NEVER seen any mechanic go through what this person did. He maybe a back yard /shade tree mechanic, twenty miles up the road and it's just the way I like it.