I would like to know if there is an alternative to using the rope seal for the rear crankshaft on the 1985 XJS. I've read that they changed that in later years, but don't know if I can use the later version on the '85

 

I'm sure this is covered in Kirby's famous "Book" :-)

http://www.jag-lovers.org/xj-s/book/XJS_help.pdf

Cheers
DD

 

I wish there was a simple fix for rear crank seal!

when i rebilt my v12 back in 1995, i was very careful to use the best methods for rope seal installation, including time spent on sealing the sides.

and i have done many other types of rope seal engines, with good results.

it did not leak a drop for around 1000miles or more, then noticed slight oil leak,spraying off the crank flange, darn, not to happy!

well it has got continually worse, leaks oil like an old diesel engine.

it is ,very simply, poor engineering for such a hi-tech engine!

and it seems that ford finally corrected the problem, with a full circle Neopreen seal,.

some older USA engines had rope seals, and the seal manufacturers made a split neo. seal for rebilding them, just maybe, there is an aftermarket piece that could be fitted,

like a seal from a different engine,i donno??

it sure is annoying,after i pull away from parking with oil drops on the concrete, and everyone around looking and commenting.

 

it is now accepted,as normal, by the Jaguar crowd!

kinda weird tho, everybody follows the norm.

if i had known that it was a particular problem,i would have reengineered that area, but my car runs perfect, and pulling the engine for an oil leak seems dumb!

 

You probably already know this, but thought I would chime in on it. There is a device discussed in Kirby's book called a "Sneaky Pete" that will allow you to replace it without removing the crank. I believe you can get it by dropping the oil pan ( Don't know ). The recommended approach is to use a 406 rope seal ( they're longer ) and it has to be trimmed properly. Supposedly the longer 406 rope seal allows for easier trimming. There are some videos on Youtube that show it and proper trimming is essential in order to prevent leaking. Hope this helps. My '85 leaks all over the place and I'm removing the engine to work on all the leaks. My goal is to make a jig that I can run the engine while outside the car so I can inspect for leaks before putting it back in.

 

I also ran across this thread on a GM forum where the individual was repeatedly having a leak problem with his rope seals until he had a discussion with Best Gasket and finally fixed the problem. This thread in their discussion group shows the history and the fix.
Rear main rope seal - GMC 228-302 - Inliners International Bulletin Board

 

great work for a simple oil leak!

a lot of guys helped in that one,i bet he can take his engine out, quicker than we can do a v12 .

i feel his frustration, but as we know,R&R aJag V12 aint easy, i have R&Rd many chevy & GMC truck engines, and with i a little practice they can be out in 1 hour.

also i'm now retired and sold the shop, so R&R isnt in the plan.

and it has no other problems that need R&R.

and yes, the methods used in that posting are very useful to many guys considering that rear seal.

 

A seal for a ford 460 might work. Same crank diameter

 

It should be possible to do from underneath the car by removing the pan and using a "Sneaky Pete" tool. I think it can be ordered from Autozone etc. If your leak isn't that bad, you may want to just invest in one of those hotrod drip pans they sell at Autozone. As far as 460 goes, yes I think it will, it's longer too, so it should be easier to do the trimming once the seal is in. You could call or email those folks at Best Gasket...they seem to have been very helpful for those other guys on their GM rope seal project.

 

thanks Mag and cal!!

it isnt all that bad,its just annoying, about 1 qt. around 1K miles, but it spreads oil on the under carriage, and that picks up dust-sand.

donno what i'm gonna do, more thinking about it(maybe it'll go away) HA fat chance!

 

someplace in my tool junk,i got an old sneaky pete tool, they do work fairly well,most of the time, the concept of S/P is at least 50-60yrs old.

rear seal oil leaks aint nothin new!