We're off to a rally in a part of France that still uses Ox carts.
I'm taking a hand held OBD2 reader but, rather like the warning light in old Volvos that said 'TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE', I really wonder what to do if I get an error code.
There's no chance of finding any spares.
What would be in your First Aid Kit ?

 

A harness for two oxen?

 

a very small priest to ride in the back seat

 

That's the best thing about this Forum, the instant and useful help one gets.
I've got no problem with the Holy Water holder but where is the Ox harness attachment point?

 

Steve,

It's all in the manual:

XK8 & XKR - Roadside Emergency.pdf

The French version is available on request for a minimal charge.

Graham

 

Bloody useless Jaguar - it's a two oxpower car as you say - what use is one ox harness attachment?
I looked in the boot - there's no folding emergency whipple tree and anyway if I attached them both there I'd be going down the road on the diagonal.
There's no problem driving them in a convertible but does the coupé come with a stick-on roof seat?

 

You really must check the accessories on next vehicle purchase more carefully if your current convertible is missing the folding whippletree and cattle prod strapped to the underside of the boot lid.



On many trips across the length and breadth of La belle France, the only two incidents I've had which brought me to a halt have been punctures and split hoses. Both happening in the back of beyond and not an Ox in sight!

Whilst delving into the depths of the boot, it's worthwhile checking the diminutive spare wheel is at the recommended 60 psi. I've found these often lose up to 10 psi over about three months. The tyre changing tackle is only barely adequate and the wheelbrace may prove insufficient if your wheels were last fitted by a gorilla with an air wrench. It's surprising how little effort is required to tighten to 63-75Nm.

Jaguar toolkits on the saloons were always more decorative than practical and are dispensed with entirely on the XK8. I carry the one from an old XJ8 supplemented with a Gerber Multitool and a Mini Maglite. These together with Insulating Tape and Duct Tape fit in the space around the spare wheel.



Probably a major advantage is I always have a laptop with me. This is loaded with JTIS and the Handbook Set. AutoEnginuity takes up very little space in the laptop case.

That's it. I'm ready to go down to the shops or down to the South of France.

Graham

 

Duct tape it is then.
Good point about the wheel nuts, first thing I did was to run them off (eventually, even with an impact wrench), stick some CopaSlip on them and do them up with a torque wrench.
As you say it is surprising how little torque 100Nm feels to be.
Bought the car from a UK dealer - I bet he snaffled the whippletree.

 

Look under the lid of the fusebox in the boot. You will find a nice selecton of spare fuses and a fuse puller.

 

Is the empty relay position in the luggage compartment fusebox connected to anything or does it make a suitable location to carry a spare brown relay?

Graham

 

It supplies optional switched ignition power to the three pin aux. connectors by the battery and behind the glovebox.

 

Gotta' love the members here!

 

Don't forget the treats for the oxen---I hear it's tough to get them to pull anything without the proper incentive! Have fun and good luck.

 

Nothin, you're in a Jag after all ;-)

 

That's considerably more useful than an empty slot.

Thanks,
Graham

 

Graham,
Yes indeed.
Where do I get a cheapo version -is it an industry standard?

 

All you have to do is rattle a box of Oxo cubes behind them - off like a flash!

 

The dealer part is less than 10 dollars list. It is a standard 5 pin automotive relay (very common) but has an internal diode for kickback transient suppression (harder to find). I would not recommend using one without the diode, it may take a toll on the cars electronics over time.

I have a supply of the correct relays. I can send you one for $5.00 plus Priority Mail to Europe ($16.95) paid via Paypal invoice. Let me know.

 

Steve,

It's LJA6703AA. Probably standard but has the magic word 'Jaguar' embossed on the case so that will treble the price. Whatever you do, don't get it mixed up with the Oxo cubes.

Where is this far flung expedition taking you?

Graham

 

It's an annual event around the Cantal which I believe is the most beautiful part of France.
We used to go in my *****'s Jeep (same age as me) but after I sold it we didn't have a suitable (vintage) vehicle. We still don't but the organisers thing the XKR is so lovely they've made an exception.
It is a great rally with cars shipped in from all over the World.
The pots d'amitie are a bit on the heavy side but the Gendarmes are warned off by the Maires.