Thinking about rtv and cam covers. A recent experience, and a concern that I had done a number on one or more of 4 O2 sensors in an XK8 (I'm wondering about what others thing of this) and then, having used rtv on my XJS covers ---- is there any need to worry about the silicone in rtv, and chemicals that evaporate leaving the rtv hard-ish, and O2 sensors?

I've heard that silicone will destroy O2 sensors QUICK!

Will that amount of rtv damage O2 sensors, once the engine starts breathing if run before the rtv is completely dry?

 

never heard about rtv ruining 02 sensors. and I let any RTV anywhere set for 24hrs (bolts hand snug) before torquing and let sit for another 48 hrs. even the 1 minute rtv i let sit for 24 hrs.

 

Had a credit at RockAuto so decided to grab the 2 front shocks to match the 4 rear I put in last year just in case they run out of stock before I drop the front end.

 

properly prepped and primed this time.

 

Had do do a little touch on the primer one but the black one is almost done.

 

That looks great - it will be a shame to hide it under all that stuff..... what paint are you using?

 

Haha I know. VHT high temp engine paint. Color is black pearl

 

So I did one sanding if the ribs today. Even with 80g there is some little scratches etc I just can't get the paint out of. And my ocd won't let me continue



So I said f bomb it and repainted the ribs and calling it on this. They still look great all black and since this is not a show car I'm gonna stop trying to be fancy. I wasted 2 weeks on this.

Anyways finished product




I was kinda do the same thing on the intake manifold but now I'm just gonna keep it simple and clean and paint aluminum color like I did my rear diff cover.

Also one a side note I wouldn't recommend VHT high temp paint. I dont know what it is with it but I didn't like the way it applied. I am gonna stick with dupli-color for everything.

Gonna clean the surfaces tomorrow if I have time and put the valve covers back on so I can start taking the manifolds apart and work on all that fun stuff

 

I have several sets of valve covers including the rare first editions where Jaguar actually cast the word Jaguar in instead of the decal. Another set I’m milling the fins off completely. Give it a more vintage appearance.

 

Well got the first one on.






Gonna start cleaning the other side now

 

Done.


Next to clean up the throttle pedestal

 

Pedestal taking apart

 

Could I use this for the switch replacement? I would just cut off the extra prong

Can't seem to find the exact one

 

Yes, just ensure it works as an on/off switch. No need to remove the unused pole.

 

It's spdt so has dual output





So that means one the 2 terminals would be charged at all times I think.

 

I found this pick of kirbys switch. you can see he has a spdt switch as well with no issues.

 

Pedestal painted aluminum color.



Rest of the parts that go on it are all cleaned. Just need to do some touch ups.

 

I almost forgot about the air rail holes lol. I should figure that out before I have to much stuff back in the way.

So there is 2 options.

Tap the hole in the intake and use a set screw

Or

https://bernardembden.com/xjs/railoff/index.htm

I think tapping the intake hole is the easier option but they have quite a carbon build up. Also I've read not to tap them while the intake is on the engine. I've also read they just go to the exhaust port of the intake so no need to worry about tapping as any little shaving will just get blown out of the exhaust.

I also took a quick measurement and the holes are about 5mm but the pipes measure 6.2mm. I tried a 6mm bolt and it seemed loose.

So maybe tap for 7mm or I have read tap for 5/16?

Here's a pic of one of of holes. Can I just put a drill bit in to clean out the crud. Only need to go in say 1/4".




So opinions

 

Got the rest of the parts painted.




Just waiting for the micro switch to show up and pick up some new hardware to put it all back together

As for the holes in the intake I was able to clean one up with a drill bit and tap it for 5/16 - 18. So I ordered a pack of set screws. So next few days I'll be tapping that block... giggity

 

After