1997, 6.0Ltr V12 engine.

[trevorprice124337]

I've just bought a 1997 low mileage Daimler Double Six. I have 3 questions to ask of any fellow V12 owners.

First question,
Are there any known week points to this engine that require monitoring or preventative maintenance?

Second question,
Who are the best and most qualified and trusted people to take my car too for any engine work?

Third question,
Are there any recommended upgrades that I should consider (this question may be related to the first question)? Please be aware that performance enhancement is not on my agender but enhanced reliability or petrol consumption is.

I would be very grateful for any information, I'm a recent new jaguar owner and at the start of a huge learning curve.

Many thanks,
Trevor.

[ptjs1]

Trevor,

Great choice of car! Well done!

The engine is inherently strong. But there are some areas that require periodic maintenance. All the fuel hoses should be changed, especially the short ones from the fuel rail to the injectors. Also the injection wiring loom in the V of the engine may already starting to become brittle. Consider changing that. Also potentially get the injectors flow tested. And only put zero ethanol high octane petrol in the car. Which means Esso Synergy Supreme as the only zero ethanol petrol available.

Also consider changing all the coolant hoses (access to a couple of them is a real nuisance!)

Lambda sensors should be considered maintenance items. If original, yours are 25 years old.

As regards specialists to support your car, there are a number of very reputable people. You haven't mentioned in your profile where you are based? Update that and we can give you the name so people closest to you.

I really wouldn't stray far from original with your V12. The standard setup when running well is really hard to beat.

Cheers

Paul

[trevorprice124337]

Hi Paul,

Firstly I'm close to being computer illiterate and this is the first time I have sent a reply so not sure if I've done it right.

Assuming you get this I will continue.
I'm in Worcester but for the initial work (which will be extensive) I'm prepared to take the car anywhere and leave it with them with the work schedule. I would prefer to get the best people available to do the refurbishment.

I'm going to have the front and rear subframes dropped, totally re-bushed, jointed, shocks, and springs. The auto gearbox has a whine in low gear (not sure if it's first or second) and an oil leak. The diff also has a leak but is quiet. The engine also has a leak but not sure where from and whether (with the work that you recommend) the engine should come out.

I really appreciate your comments so keep them coming.

I'm also struggling to find out the difference between the black and black/blue spot shock absorbers. Both are listed under comfort suspension at SNG and I've sent them a message but they haven't replied. Do you know the difference?

All the best,

Trevor.

[andypryce]

You're not too far away from Nottingham? If I lived anywhere near there I would be taking my cars to David Marks.

http://www.davidmarksgarages.co.uk/

[ptjs1]

+1 for Andy's suggestion. Absolutely go to David. You have the ideal car and engine for his expertise. Tell him I sent you!

Your engine oil leak could be cam covers, front plate or sump. None of those on their own would necessitate an engine-out job. I'm not aware of the XJ40 spring colours, but David will know.

Good luck

Paul Sinnott

[trevorprice124337]

Good morning chaps,

Blimey, you were up late last night. Thanks to you both for the info, I will find time tonight to take a look at this guy. I'll let you know what happens.

Do you or any body you know have any experience with after market jaguar spares? All my life I've always bought genuine car parts for any job on any car.

Just as an example, SNG offer 1 or 2 alternatives at lower prices to the originals for most of their range of parts. Habitually I would go for originals for peace of mind, but am I being silly?

Thanks,

Trevor.

[ptjs1]

Trevor,

As you will probably appreciate, there are up to 3 options for parts for your car:

- Genuine Jaguar parts, available from Jaguar Classic Parts online or via a Jaguar Dealer OR via one of the pseudo Dealers such as SNG Barratt or David Manners

- OEM parts developed by the suppliers who originally supplied (and may still supply) the parts to Jaguar. The providers of these are many and varied BUT, you have to be comfortable that they really are OEM parts.

- Aftermarket / Pattern parts. A copy of an original Jaguar part. But they are therefore entirely at the vagary of the supplier as to the quality and fit.


Whatever you buy, you must ALWAYS start at the Jaguar parts website to ensure you have the correct part number. Do not trust any other website as there are lots of supersession and differences based on your VIN. You'll also be able to see if the part is still available new (many are not, especially trim parts). You could then assess if you can by the same part as OEM cheaper. SNG Barratt and David Manners may well also have an OEM option, in which case you can be comfortable that it really is OEM. For any other provider, you should do all the homework necessary to verify if it really is a genuine OEM part. Be very careful!

If you decide to buy a genuine part from Jaguar, my experience is that the cheapest way is to order via your local dealer rather than online. I can usually get c10% from my dealer, which I can't get from Jaguar online or from the pseudo dealers such as Barratt or Manners.

It's a personal choice but I won't buy any pattern / aftermarket part unless I absolutely have no option. (a heater valve 6 years ago was the last one I can remember) There is a huge amount of cheap pattern rubbish out there. I'd even try and get a really good used part rather than go down the aftermarket route. You pays your money and you take your choice.

Good luck

Paul

[trevorprice124337]

Thanks Paul,

That's pretty much what I wanted to hear, we're singing from the same hymn sheet.

Regards,

Trevor.

[andypryce]

I tend to go used parts first, as Paul says it’s a personal choice, cost is usually the deciding factor, unfortunately. I have found Eurojag always really helpful, also autoreserve, am sure there are plenty others out there. Hope all goes well, often been tempted by the Double Six as it’s a gorgeous car….

[trevorprice124337]

Hi Andy and Paul,

Hope you both get to read this.

Had a look at David's web site last night and, I agree, he seems to be a perfect match for my intended programme of works and I will be contacting him today.

Thankyou for taking the time to point me in the right direction, this is a perfect example of a car club doing what it does best.

Best wishes to you both,

Trevor.

[andypryce]

Good luck Trevor, hope it goes well.