Hello everyone, I would like to ask for your advice. We have a Jaguar XJS 4.0 from 1993. We were changing the valve cover gasket. When we took out the old one, it was U-shaped (according to what I read, the 3.6 and 4.0 versions had this gasket until 1992), but according to the VIN, a T-shaped gasket should go there, but it doesn't actually fit there. Please, can you advise me what could be the problem?

 

Welcome to the Forums.

Please do an Intro in the New Members Area when the beast is sorted.

2 engines here.

AJ6 = Spark Plug Leads
AJ16 = NO spark plug leads, 6 individual coils.
I thought the AJ16 was 1994 onward, but MY is flawed, dependning where you call home., hence the very simple ID above.

My parts book does not list the AJ16, but I remember the 2 AJ16 (X300) I had, were the U shape, WITH integral D Seals.
Changed them a few times before I worked out the "shanked" bolts were the problem, easily sorted.

God luck.

 

My advice comes from owning a 92/93 4.0 conv for 20yrs. I have found that Jaguar assembled cars by the "whatever is on the shelf as it rolls down the line" philosophy.
I have a Jan 93 VIN on a car that has, among other things, rear in-board brakes...not continued for 93 facelift cars. There are other anomalies, mostly exterior. I'd stop scratching your head looking for logic. Put on the gasket that fits and move on to other oddities.
Good luck!

Dave