starting up my series 3 v12 after winter lay up

[ipburrell1962]

hi guys,
i changed the oil on my 82 double six before laying it up for the winter in november 09, i changed the filter and re-filled the sump with morris lubricants storage oil and ran on fast idle for 15 mins before shutting down for the winter period,i am planning on putting the old girl back on the road in march (if it ever stops snowing up here in perth!!),i read ken jenkins article with interest in the jec feb magazine about introducing 15 to 20lbs of air pressure through the dipstick tube after first blanking off the breather,but he goes on to say that on the v12 the pump does not always prime in every case,any more advice from you long term v12 owners out there?!.
cheers ian
(ps the car has not been started at all in the lay up period)

[David27]

Hi
I don't profess to be an expert, but you could try e-mailing David Marks who is the technical contact for our cars in the magazine. He sent me some helpful advice for starting issues I've been having with my series III XJ12.
Regards, David

[David27]

P.S. DON'T - get one that wasn't built in the days of Red Robbo and union domination of British Leyland. I've been very disappointed with the reliability (or lack of) of mine, for a car that has only done 78000 miles. It's turned into a money pit and just clogs up my drive! Sorry to be negative and maybe I've just been unlucky / naive!

[ipburrell1962]

hi david,
thanks for the reply,mines an 82 car,and touch wood,has been great other than a charging problem,which has turned out to be a dodgy regulator in the alternator,i have a recon item on order from dave manners.
cheers for now,ian, perth ,scotland.
ps i hope you have more luck with your car this year!!

[PaulE]

Hello David27. Just to clarify your entry, are you suggesting that cars built while Red Robbo ruled the roost were better?

[David27]

NO, quite the opposite!