I tinkered with classic VW Beetle engines for years and can easily take three parts engines and build a well-running aircooled engine out of it (with new seals and bearings).

The V12 in my XJ-SC however looks slightly intimidating. It is in the front instead of the back, has three times as many cylinders and rumor has it there is water in it too. So how do I best learn to tinker with one?

I don't want to mess up the running V12 in my XJ-SC. So I am considering buying the next $1,000 XJS that crosses my path. With no expectations to get it running again this night be a fun way to learn while taking it apart.

Any better ideas?

 

Dig in. But methodically and carefully. Stay organized. Take notes and pics, label wires and hoses.

Tell us what kind of tinkering you want to do and many here can give some useful tips (and 'must know' essentials, too) but, really, it's essentially just a matter of taking things apart and putting 'em back together. It's just that you have lots of 'things', that's all.

Cheers
DD

 

A second parts car a great plan from all angles, not just finding out. Doug dead right as always. I would only add, take it one system at a time. For instance completely find out about and understand:
The cooling system
The ignition system
The fuel system
The engine bay loom and sensors
The front suspension
The brakes


Once you start doing this, all the millions of pipes and tubes start to lose their intimidating effect.
Greg

 

As already mentioned.

They really are simple, just badly organised.

That spare car would be AWESOME.

When you get into depths you will find a familar sight, A VW engine, also known a starter motor. I joke of course, but a customer the other day wanted some bits for his 3cyl Diahatsu, and I said without thinking, "we use them for stater motors for our V12's", luckily he has a sense of humour, and mentioned that the V12 Lucas starter probably has more power than his 3 cylinder marvel.

Anyway, you will enjoy every moment you spend with the mighty V12.

 

Andreas:


Gotta laugh !!! I have a derelict VW based "dune buggy" in my driveway. I guess it's components are circa 1962. The engine is out. Badly neglected.with a bar, I can turn it over about 270 degrees. Then stuck. Back it away 270, over and over, no give. Will, I expend more energy there? Probably not.


The project before lumping the Jaguar was a "Hot Rod of the 40's". built from parts from all over. Then a huge leap into an EFI 94 Cadillac LT1 to swap into the Jaguar.
A real steep learning curve. But, it sure runs nice.


As stated, read, look, and figure out the functions and how they are accomplished.


Carl

 

Before I started digging in to my engine, I bought a workshop manual in German (since I unfourtunatly live there... ) and reading a fair bit first. But a good bit of stuff is missing in these manuals...