Here we have my XJ6 which I picked up from this very forum late last year. This is my first ever retro and something that I bought to cut my teeth on in terms of home maintenance. So, the first thing I did when I got it was take it to my local Jag specialist and ask them to go to town on coming up with a list of issues. When I saw the list I immediately regretted it! But, I knew they would leave no stone unturned and it gave me something to go at. I'll give a potted history of what I've done, and also what's left to do.
So, the very best point......the bodywork and the chassis are solid. I don't believe it needs any welding whatsoever. So, as a base car for a restoration it's a good candidate. It's also been super reliable! Every time I've gone to it it has started, irrespective of whether it's been stood for a couple of weeks or whether it's a hot start.
So when I got the car it would leave an obscene amount of fluid everywhere it went. The first thing I did was fix a coolant leak and replace the coolant. Easy job, fairly big impact! Next was an oil leak from the sump. What I hoped would be a minor leak turned out to be a cracked sump that had been badly repaired previously. I got a replacement sump off eBay and looked into how to do it. It needs the front sub frame dropping to get access to it, something that I can't do. So, I asked my local garage and they reckoned it's a 5 hour job - which aligns with what the Jag specialist said. But, they did say they could have a go at doing a better repair. So, £48 later the leak has been repaired and is holding really well. So much so that I've postponed replacing the sump - but I will include the replacement in the sale.
Next up was a replacement key fob as the car came just with a key when I received it. £50 off eBay and an easy reprogram, the car now has remote central locking. Fancy!
Back to the leaks, there was an oil leak from the top of the engine which was the rocker cover gasket. So, I replaced that along with the spark plug seals. There was also a power steering fluid leak which I traced to a loose jubilee clip. The alternator belt was squeaky on start up and I wasn't sure if power steering fluid had got on to the belt and the pulley. I also noted that the air conditioning belt had been removed entirely, and this sits closer to the power steering reservoir and the leak. So, I replaced the alternator belt which helped with that squeak. Although it still has a slight squeak on start up occasionally and I think I might need to tension it slightly more. I also bought an air conditioning belt which I'm yet to fit. Now, the optimist in me says once that belt is fitted the A/C will work perfectly. The realist says it'll need a re-gas as a minimum. And the pessimist says the compressor will be knackered which is why they took the belt off in the first place. I can't say which of these scenarios is correct unfortunately.
Four leaks sorted, one left to do which still remains - the rear diff drive seal. The Jag specialist said it is probably possible to uncouple the drive shaft, replace the seal and reconnect the drive shaft. I would like to take the differential off the car and refurbish all bearings and seals, but it's probably beyond my skillset.
I did a general service which included oil, oil filter, air filter and spark plugs. Apart from the psychological aspect of thinking the car runs better as a result, the car actually does run better as one of the six spark plugs was very poorly gapped, and they were all old and sorry looking. So, a slight misfire at tickover which resulted in a minor vibration was resolved and the engine is now really strong, and really smooth. Another key positive of the car!
The gearbox change wasn't great, giving a tremendous kick between 2nd and 3rd, and 3rd and 4th - especially under hard acceleration. In addition, in top gear there was a vibration that would occur intermittently. So, I replaced the gearbox fluid and filter and it made a big difference. I then changed the fluid again a couple of weeks later which made a slight further improvement. So, the gearchanges are now smooth but there is still a slight vibration in top gear. It's better than it was and I hope further fluid changes will help, but I can't guarantee it. I don't think it's sinister and, if I keep the car, I'd probably live with it. At this point I ran out of time and the weather turned cold which made it less appealing to lie on the drive in the wet and the cold.
My next job would be the rear wheel bearing, as that has a whine and needs resolving. The front nearside wheel bearing also needs replacing. So, I bought four wheel bearings with the plan to do them all. These will be included in the sale. Once these and the differential seal are done, I think it's all pretty good.
The exterior is ok. Paintwork has faded in parts, the bumpers will need some attention as they are sagging. And the chrome effect finishing is beginning to buckle. Interior is pretty good. The headlining has been pinned, the clock has misted over. But the leather is all good.
In terms of what works and what doesn't. Lights, windscreen wiper and washers, horn and indicators are all good. The electric windows all work, although they are sluggish. The heater works, but the air conditioning doesn't (as described above). The radio, 6 CD multichanger and tape deck all work. The cruise control works intermittently, although the last half dozen times I've tried it it hasn't worked. The electric seat adjustment works, but the control button is loose and resides in the centre console. The seat belt warning light is on all the time. The seller suggested it may be a loose connection but a quick inspection shows wires were disconnected intentionally at some point suggesting to me a faulty sensor. The boot struts are weak and so the boot lid doesn't stay open, although there is a natty stick that is perfectly sized to do the job. I don't think this is an official Jaguar accessory.
It has MOT until Sept 21 and is great fun to drive. Consumables such as tyres and brakes look ok to me. I would consider a trade for something else but would prefer a straight sale. Priced at £850 and that includes the spare sump, new wheel bearings and anything else that I've bought but haven't yet had chance to fit.
I'm based in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. My number is 07540 463945 if you have any questions.
