I'm new to the jaguar arena. I bought a 1990 xjs-v12 about 3 months ago. I was wondering about the oil changes. Obviously, the oil change will be more expensive because of the v12. Can I buy the parts at O'reilly or Autozone and do it myself or do I need to take it to a mechanic?

 

Welcome to the forum dominionow,

I've moved your question from General Tech Help to XJS forum. Members here with the same model will be able to advise.

When you get a minute, please follow this link New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to the New Member Area - Intro a MUST forum and post some info about yourself and your vehicle for all members to see. In return you'll get a proper welcome and some useful advice about posting to the forum.

Graham

 

I checked back expecting the XJS specialists to have picked up on this thread straightaway but no replies yet.

It's worth you adding some further details.

Are you wanting to do this as a complete novice to vehicle maintenance or is it just the XJS that's new to you? I don't want to write a lengthy explanation on how to do an oil change to someone who has been doing their own maintenance for years on other vehicles. On the other hand, if you've never done an oil change, that's exactly the level of detail you'll want to know.

Either way, you'll save yourself $$$ doing it yourself and just because it has a Jaguar badge doesn't make it any more difficult.

Graham

 

Right, if you've changed the oil and filter on any other car you can do it on a Jag V12. Removing the filter can be tricky. Tight access.

You'll need about 11 quarts of oil....so you might as well a case. Most V12 owners prefer 20/50; some go with 10/40 in freezing climates.

Most local auto parts stores will not have a filter on-the-shelf but it shouldn't take more than a day for them to order and receive one. Buy several, or plan in advance for each oil change.

Cheers
DD

 

You are probably aware of this but I'll go ahead and say it anyway. Do not get under the car if you are only using the jack to support it. The easiest way is to get the front end off the ground is to use a set of ramps ( about $40).
Like Doug said, it will be tight underneath. I'm not a competent mechanic, but I did find the oil change quite easy (just don't drop the oil cap into the engine bay like I did!)
Welcome and enjoy the Jag.

Bill

 

The most readily available oil in your area will likely be Castrol 20w50. It's a good quality oil, and I use it in my Jags. I recommend that you NOT use synthetic oil, unless you have replaced all the gaskets and seals on your motor, as synthetic oil tends to be able to leak through tighter joints than does dino oil.

Whatever you do, stay away from Fram oil filters. Their poor quality has been blamed for more than one engine failure. I run WIX 51231 oil filters on my cars. They're available at O'Reileys, along with the oil. Others run the Purolator Pure One, which is an excellent filter, if you can find them in your area. Here is a good review of the various oil filters:
Oil Filters Revealed - MiniMopar Resources
&
Opinions and Recommendations - Oil Filters Revealed - MiniMopar Resources

 

Sorry, not trying to start an argument (Gawd I hate oil threads) but no they don't, viscosity is viscosity and while it varies from batch to batch to some extent and manufacture to manufacture saying synth oil will cause leaks is a wives tale as old as the hills. I run it in all 6 of my cars and switched some of them as late as 70k and no problems, leaks, etc.

Valvoline.com > FAQs > Motor Oil Car FAQs > Full-Synthetic Motor Oil

Synthetic Oil - Pennzoil

Engine Oil Filter Study

You can get every answer you ever wanted about oil here.
- Bob is the Oil Guy

 

I agree that saying syn oil causes leaks is an old wives tale. Having collecting cars for many years, I have learned to be careful on how I use different oils...

In my 1990 XJS I am using Mobil 1 High Mileage 10W40 and it seems to work extremely well. Very smooth and zero leaks... It is a very highly recommended oil on many forums and I have used it in many different applications including an original unrestored Boss 302... Also used it in a 1965 289 with great results.

 

Mobil 1 HM 10w40 is what I use on my 95 AJ16 XJS and on the 74 E Type v12. The 04 X type take Mobil 1 5w30 HM. It's a great oil .

 

On my 1996 XJS, a 30mm socket or wrench is needed to remove the drain plug.

 

Thank you so much for your expert advice. I appreciate your wisdom and knowledge! Have a Merry Christmas!

 

Thanks Doug for your much needed advice! I really like this forum. It's very helpful and classy. Have a great Christmas and blessed New Year!
Demry

 

Thanks Bill for the much needed advice and the funny experience. It lets me know people on here really are human and can make mistakes!
Merry Christmas!
Demry

 

Thanks Scott for the advice. It was greatly needed!
Merry Christmas!
Demry