Hi everyone. I’m 35 and the proud owner of a heavily restored xk120 in Switzerland. I want to keep the car in the best condition I can and have a few basic questions!

On the dashboard, left of the steering wheel I have a little switch. I can’t see it described in the owners manual, does anyone know what it does?

is it common for the clock to not work? Any tricks/suggestions?

On the far right of the dashboard, there is the oil check button? This is depressed, is there a way to pop it out/so it is a button or maybe I have an issue?

Lastly starting the car. Is there a best practice? I have half worked out to pump the accelerator twice, wait 5 seconds, have the choke half out and with the clutch down press the engine start button. Sometimes it takes many attempts to start so finding my way.

thanks in advance for any advise. It’s such a beautiful car to own/drive!

 

I see you've had no replies so far. Maybe if you post a photo of your dash, somebody may be able to help. I looked on the internet, but the only guide I came up with was for the coupe or convertible, not the OTS.
https://drivetribe.com/p/explained-t...Ru6WPsqr8CwyBQ
It might be worth buying the Owner Manual on the internet, either original or a copy.

 

The switch is most likely either a foglamp switch (can't see front of your car) or even more a jury rigged choke switch for the starting carb. Pumping the accel. pedal does nothing on an SU carb. unless the butterflies are gummy. As far as the oil check you should turn on the ignition and press the button in. Watch your oil gage and if working your oil level will register. As said you need to have a handbook and a WSM for your car. Next time you go to start flip the switch you have mentioned and see if the car does not fire right up. Remember to turn it off after it is running. Best of luck!

 

My shop manual page with instruments explained.

 

One clarification we should have made---when checking oil level you turn on the ignition but do not start the engine! The oil level will register on the petrol gauge.

 

Does your car have overdrive? That switch may be for engaging the overdrive unit.

 

Hi All, thanks so much for the comments and advise. I have the owners manual too, but indeed the switch to the left of the steering wheel is not on it. I think Rotomike, may be correct that it's the overdrive as an SE model. I think my oil level switch may be broken which is the button that is depressed. As i think is my clock. Now i just need to learn to double clutch properly!

 

Unless modified the XK120 did not come with O/D. To put an O/D in the frame has to be severely cut and reinforced.