Them options are shweeeeeet... Cool man. Hey, as long as your careful you could open things up and get to to point where you either comfortable and continue, or uncomfortable and want to stop and just have it towed to the shop like you would have anyways...

I have 2 cars in the xk family and era and for one of them I would really love to do the LS swap for a manual gear box. Would love to. But not the XKR... You're in a nice spot. Youll get it, no doubt about it. They really are awesome cars...

 

Can someone tell me how to remove the breather hose on the left hand side? The plastic clip absolutely will not come off, and upon minor twisting broke the plastic hose 3in off the connection. Utterly ridiculous how fragile that was. What can I do to remove this?

 

Nevermind I got it off.

The dipstick is really getting me. What's the easiest way to do that?

 

I managed to wiggle the dipstick tube about an inch or so up. I left the dipstick to guide it back down. I have no idea how you're supposed to ensure it's tightened down.

cam flats look fine on both sides and both tensioners are not cracked or separated at all. I'm encouraged. Except for breaking the breather tube I think I'm in decent shape.

 

Good job leaving the end of the dip stick in its hole, getting it back in even with the doggone engine OUT of the car can be a challenge... The tube should and will pressure fit back in with some wiggling. Take car to NOT allow that stick to come out. In the mean time, press the tube back in as NOT to loose the hole.

The flats really need to be aligned in a way as to be able to lay a straight edge across them both. Put a 24mm (or 22mm) socket on the crank pulley bolt and turn the engine by hand CLOCKWISE (looking from the front of the engine) until both sides sit right on top so an edge can be laid across both on both sides. If you are turning and go to far do NOT try turning the crank bolt counterclockwise to get back to level... Go allllll the way around again until you get it.

Sorry about that breather line... You can use a rubber section of rad hose from the pep or zone. It's fine. It's not a high pressure thing at all. Don't sweat it. You ain't the first and won't be the last. Old plastic.

Good work brother! Really!

Any cursing and strange body language this weekend😂?

 

Thanks I'll grab a breaker bar and try to do that since everyone keeps telling me to 😂

Yeah I got pretty pissed when balancing the overflow tank, a stuck gasket, frail wiring loom and the dipstick all conspiring against me when removing the cover. I eventually just belted out a: "HON get in here!" for a second set of hands 😂

Ill research what the crank bolt looks like. Is it really just as simple as connecting the socket and turning?What if the cams don't line up, how can I adjust them?

 

It's here:



Yes, but clockwise only

If the cam flats don't all line up, then definitely don't try to start it again. You will need the timing kit to correct,and it's a bigger job since the front timing cover has to come off.

 

Hahaha... I can see it now 😂
Know why? I've so been there.
One thing these last years of messing with these cars has taught me, and I have ways to go, a lil more patience and a slower pace. Today, I think I enjoy the slow work...

Anyways. Youre in a good place and since the gaskets needed attention anyways it's good you have the covers off. From here, remove all the plugs and if you can lay them out side by side, and in the order in which they came out, folks here are like spark plug whisperers and may be able to tell something from the plugs...

If you are thinking about the zip tie method and doing it yourself,,, get a small torque wrench now...! Ahead if time.

With the plugs out the engine will rotate easily and you won't need a breaker bar.... Again, clockwise standing in FRONT of the car/engine. And, with the plugs out you can use a half inch socket wrench. Snake your hand/arm down in there. You looking to get the socket on a bolt that is holding in the LARGEST of the pullys down there. Lowest and most center. Can't miss it. Google and look at a few pictures. Easier than you think.

Good stuff!

 

Perfect picture!