All,

Pardon the "newbie" question (in the specific context of the V12 engine). I searched the forums, but didn't find an entry relating to my specific question.

I am in the market for an XJS, preferably '81-'91. However, several of the cars that I have looked at (online only at this juncture) have been sitting for a while.

For an engine that has been sitting, after replacing hoses, belts and other items subject to decay related to non-use (assuming the engine is not seized), I am used to using a tool attached to a drill, accessing the oil pump - normally co-driven with the distributor - to force oil into all of the long-abandoned passages, lifters etc.

Is this also the case for the V12? If so, how/where does one access the oil pump? Same method/location, or is it entirely unique?

Help!!

Thanks,

Brad
(currently on the prowl for a cat...a really big one)

 

No, the oil pump on the V12 is concentric to the crank, so cannot be turned independently of the entire engine. One decent way to get oil round is to remove the spark plugs and turn the engine over on the starter motor. This is a pretty good way, I believe.
Some people have used a pressurised garden sprayer and forced oil round using that, somehow plumbed into the oil main gallery. Anyone who has successfully done that is sure to chime in. FWIW, I do not think that will do much for the main bearings unless the engine is turned at the same time.

The Jaguar V12 is mechanically very robust, and I have just started more than one engine after a long layoff with no ill effects at all.

 

After full rebuild of my 6 litre the last couple of litres of oil went in via a pressure pot line attached in place of the oil pressure sender.
After fill but before start the sender was reinstalled.

 

Had to use the pressure pot method once on a car with an external belt driven pump that lost its prime. Worked fine.

But in the situation the OP is in, I'm with Greg.....just fire it up ! I seriously doubt there will be any problem.

Cheers
DD

 

Agreed,

Do all the stuff you mentioned, Prefill the oil filter before installing, turn the key and enjoy.

As Greg said, the V12 oil pump is HUGE, and moves a serious volume of oil and at very high pressure instantly.

I had force primed via the oil switch, and/or simply started some, no difference noted.

Force prime via the oil switch is a good thing IF the crank bearings etc are disturbed, which is a rarity on a V12.

Force priming will NOT prelube the cams, etc, as Greg said. It will "fill" some vacant sections, thats about it.