... two Jaguars!!!

I've been quiet for couple of months after the compression test identified that I had two dead cylinders on my (still running, by the way!) '86 xjs. At that point I faced a dilemma: start preparing to pull out the engine and taking it apart, or...

Following advises of the group, I decided to take a deep breath. I was still tinkering with the car here and there. But I did not attemt to do anything major.

And then ... all of a sudden ... I saw another xjs for sale nearby. 1985 (just a year younger than mine), but with fewer miles on the odo (107K). I called the owner and made an appointment to look at the car. The engine was running strong. No abnormal sounds. And given that it was very cheap (cannot believe how cheap they are ), I took the plunge!

Now I have two Jags! Will try to make (and keep) one good running.

Of course, given its age, the second Jag is also not perfect. The deficiencies identified so far include:
- Windshield wipers working intermittently
- A/C is (most likely) not functioning
- Lightning Bolt light on dashboard is ON (likely failing alternator)
- Discovered oil on the B-bank air filter (but A-bank air filter is dry/clean)
- The engine "consumes" oil (probably related to the above?)
- Radio/stereo is not operational

I am sure I will find more.

But the main thing is the engine appears to be purring... (Knock on wood) And the temp gauge stays below N...

I will start tackling the issues one by one. Will start separate threads.

Excited!

 

Your an inspiration to all of us!

 

Well done, and NO there is nothing better than an XJ-S, except, MORE.

The wipers are probably a bad earth, and or the motor just needs a clean and regrease.
The A/C, for the age, compressor.
Alternator needs replacing, and NO, you do not have a load dump module on those year cars.
Normal, due to breather not doing what it should, but even then, some oily mist in that bank filter is considered normal.
Oil consumption is nore than likely the dire need for an oil change. Followed by lack of use.
New stereo, easy.

Have fun.

 

Thanks, Grant! Your advise is always appreciated.

Will probably start tackling windshield wipers/motor first. (Right now I have to check weather forecast before taking the new Jag out -- if there is even a slight chance of rain, it is a No-Go.)

Any known (and worthy to know) differences between MY86 and MY85?

Visually, I could not find any. (With exception of 'H.E.' badge on the back instead of V12. And the dual headlamps in '85 instead of one-piece in '86.) Anything else?

 

Need pics!

 

Differences, nope, other than 1 year of age, and since they are both female, DO NOT go down that road.

Late 87 was some changes, seats, a/c system, etc, the 88 with ABS, 89 with the Marelli intro. Some markets got more cosmetic upgrades, than others.

 

"And the dual headlamps in '85 instead of one-piece in '86."


I didn't think that the US XJS got the 1 piece headlight until '92 MY.

 

That's right. But conversion to the "Euro" headlamps was very popular for quite some time so I wouldn't be surprised to see a USA car so modified

Cheers
DD

 

Hmmm... I did not know, interesting. I thought the 1-piece headlights in my '86 were native. I kind of liked them. But I also like 2-piece set up very much, too. (My wife says 2-piece looks more classic.)

 

My 1993 has a one piece headlight