Recommended onboard spares list

[3.4XJ6series2]

Hi All, not new to Jaguars, but newish to Mk2s. I have a 1961 3.4 and would like to put together a 'reasonable' set of spares to carry with me that will ensure I can get home. Been meaning to do this for a while, but after having to be recovered home by the RAC last weekend on the way back from the Goodwood Revival for a mere fan belt failure it has focused my mind . I realise this question is a bit of a 'how long is a piece of string' but there are probably 2 categories;
-everyday trips around the UK
-more ambitious roadtrips into Europe
Would be interested to hear people's thoughts and experiences

Alex

[J44EAG]

I`d be inclined to try to approach this from the opposite direction. In other words, inspection and maintenance to catch potential issues and try to avoid problems which may spoil your day.

The majority of break down issues are probably to do with cooling or ignition issues. Obviously the car is new to you so unless you have a decent previous service record available from the last owner, you are likely to have to start to "zero time to as new" the most likely items that could fail in the future.

I would see this as preventative maintenance to a point where you personally know what has been replaced in possibly a fairly long list of parts.

I would begin by examining every coolant hose on the car even if it means removal to examine. Hoses are or would be difficult to reach if failed out on the road should be replaced if there is any doubt about there condition. Moving on, I would replace both the water pump and thermostat with new items and perhaps keep them in an on board spares box. A new spare fan belt would also not come amiss together with a power steering belt as well. I would flush out the radiator and ensure it has a full and free flow of water though it at that time. A slow flowing radiator is likely to be partially blocked and in summer temperatures may lead to overheating.

All hydraulic hoses should be inspected carefully and again replaced if there is any doubt as to their condition.

I would also replace all spark plugs with new, keeping a couple of pares in the car just in case of any problems. Points, rotor arm and distributor cap may also go on the list. I would also either fit new or carry a spare new coil.

Spare lamps for a;; units are worth carrying. I would also carry a quantity of ATF and engine oil together with a container of fresh water.

Whilst I do not carry all these parts myself in my modern Jag, I do carry oil, water, a small quantity of antifreeze, ATF and a spare header tank! A couple of squirty can tyre inflation cans also lurk somewhere in the boot also.

My view is that preventative maintenance is better than having to fix an issue out on the road. A breakdown on the motorway is one of my least favorite experiences.

Hope that helps.

Mike K.

[3.4XJ6series2]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the comprehensive reply with some excellent advice. I totally agree with your prevention is better than cure message. Hence the embarrassment at being caught out by a fan belt last week. A fan belt is something which could easily be stashed with the spare wheel and would have saved me a lot of inconvenience. That's what got me thinking - what parts would be easy to carry that a RAC/AA patrol would be unlikely to have due to the age of our cars.

Have already changed the water pump as it sounded noisy and inspected hoses etc but you have made some good additional observations. Thanks again for the input
Alex

[Martec]

Hi Alex,

I've been running my MkII for 14 years now and it has taken us around europe and UK. I service the car at least once a year, oil and filter changes, clean the carbs, clean and clear the brake pad slides and move the pistons in and out a few times.
Every two years replace the brake and clutch fluid and every 6-7 years replace the tyres.

Because we travelled a fair distance in europe I carried a few spares, probably more than necessary but had to rely on our own resources.
Spares:-
A complete set of hoses (cotton reinforced) almost a requirement for the Entente Cordialle.
distributor
fuel pump
Alternator (replaced that a few times) now 65amp unit
set of plugs
startermotor until I fitted a geared starter
fuses
electrical wire and connectors plus crimp tool
fan belt and steering pump belt
gasket set (because I had it)
nuts bolts and washers of all sizes (AF)
engine oil (it eats it)
Brake fluid (a leaking servo was using it on one occasion)
Assorted hoses
full tool kit and socket set plus an axle stand.
timing light.


The bottom 5 aren't in at present or an alternator as we only use it locally at present

It depends how far you are going and how handy you are.

I service the car before long journeys, and something often goes wrong but I can usually fix it and get us home, so far not left it behind.

Best wishes

Brian

[ecosselynx]

Hi

Brian has pretty well marked it up. I would say that before going farther afield, you first get a good hand on how your car behaves over shorter distances and build up to longer distances.
Over the winter, replace all water hoses, as you now know how old they are, plus buy your spare set.
If it doesn't have a kenlowe fan, then give a bit of thought to fitting one. Again over the winter really get to know your car condition, old brittle wiring can give you no end of problems.
As Brian said, before going any place. Start off by knowing your car is in the best shape for the journey.

If in doubt post a note on the forum, as ther is always lots of people willing to give advise.