Delightfully Shambolic Jaguar XJ40 - Back to Magnificent

[phil_lihp]

It doesn't have a tow bar, shame because I would love to see it pulling your new caravan!

[mercedade]

Yooooooo Phil_lihp

 

D'yer wanna pair of underseat subs for your delightful '40?

 

I rescued them from my last one, intending to cash in on their enormous value*, but no bugger wants them and now I don't want them either.

 

They work perfectly, and come complete with the mounting cages which push into the holes cut into the metalwork under the seats.

 

Yours (or any other '40 owner's) for the cost of postage

[phil_lihp]

Cheers fella, that's a kind offer, I have no idea if mine already has them!  I will take a look when I get a chance and let you know, the stereo does sound pretty good but wouldn't turn down an upgrade.

 

I've been cruising around in this today like a proper Lord (admittedly perhaps one who's inheritance is not quite as cushy as it was), my Jag-loving new boss is quite smitten with it and isn't entirely sure if the 3 year-old XF he's picking up tomorrow is better or not.  I think we all know the answer to that.

[Guest Lord Sward]

Each time you post something on this thread I think 'great, he's sick of that shite, heres the raffle'.  Imagine my disappointment that it just keeps on WINNING.

[phil_lihp]

Raffle it?  Not a hope!  

 

In fact, in an odd development, I've realised that, for now at least, I have found Autoshite Zen.  I have my ideal number of cars (two), one is a moderately oldish, modernish, reliable, economical and versatile car for everyday use which causes me no sleepless nights, the other is a fun weekend toy which is a superbly comfortable, luxurious, powerful and very usable car which turns a few heads and gives me plenty of smiles per mile whilst asking just the odd weekend of gentle tinkering and fiddling when the mood takes me and merely asks for a few dozen gallons of petrol every 30 miles.  It wasn't meant to happen but I think, for me at least, I have arrived at fleet perfection, for now at least.  I don't even find myself looking on eBay any more, all is well and I envy no man.

 

Watch me eat those words come MOT time.

 

Mercedade, where do those subs fit?  I can't see any in mine, do they go under the back seats or the front?  

[Magnificent Rustbucket]

The earlier XJ40 had a six speaker system with two speakers set one on each side of the transmission tunnel under the rear seats. Later cars like yours have an eight speaker system - but don't have those two speakers in the rear footwells. IIRC, late cars lack the holes cut out for them. It could be these are the speakers Mercedade has.

 

I love my old '40. They really are great and very underestimated cars!

[mercedade]

Aye, as Mr Bucket says above, they sit in the bit of the (carpeted) bodywork that your heels would be up against if you were sat in the rear seats.

 

I took them out of a J-plate Sovereign (long since departed) and didn't realise they switched systems in the later ones. I had a G reg and the J reg one. Still, if anyone wants them - please, I don't want to waste them so anyone feel free to claim them! (I once mounted them in little wooden boxes which I custom-bodged to fit behind the seats of my Mk1 MR2).

[phil_lihp]

Today has been a productive day in the life of the Scruffy Sovereign.  It's been living away for the last week with a friend who absolutely adores it and has been using it to commute every day.  This is a win-win situation, he gets to play with it, I don't have it sat doing nothing in the road all week while I'm away/at work and it puts some much needed miles on it.

 

It's getting better and better with use, he commented how much more responsive and lively it seems now after a couple of months of regular and enthusiastic use and I'd agree, it's just getting better.  Moreover, it's even doing better MPG too, it's currently averaging 21MPG which is remarkable really, that's over a week's worth of windy A-roads and commuter traffic, no motorways and, if I know him well enough, plenty of use of the Sport button and kickdown - both of which I actively encourage, it needs the cobwebs blown away and I know he won't thrash it.

 

Today, with the sun shining and the day free, he made good on a long-standing promise to give it a proper polishing session.  He's a handy chap with a bottle of wax and I've never washed a car as thoroughly as we did today.  It got a wash with two buckets (one soapy clean, one dirty water), a towel dry and then applications of various Meguiurs products to clean the paint, polish it and then wax it.  The windows were cleaned, the black trim wiped over with linseed oil and the end result is...it looks as shabby as ever!  Well, we knew it would, the lacquer on the bonnet, roof and bootlid is just hilariously bad and way too far gone to save.  However, it now has a good layer of protection, it does look very nice from a few feet away and it was a nice way to spend a sunny Saturday. It's gone and got mud on it again now as it poured with rain briefly on the drive home but still looks nice...

 

 

 

We then turned our attention to the only thing I think standing in the way of a new MOT next month...the windscreen washers didn't work.  Activating them caused a loud whine from the pump but nothing more than the lighest spittle ever came out of the jets.  The reservoir was full to the brim so I assumed the pump was blocked.

 

We therefore decided to pull the washer bottle out, which involved removing a wheelarch liner, part of the undertray and the front bumper.  This took quite some time and the washer bottle still wouldn't come out even after all the bolts in the engine bay were removed, there's one more lurking at the back which will require a wheel to be removed so the entire O/S wheelarch liner can come out.

 

However, it turned out that was all a waste of time and we were barking up the wrong tree all along anyway, although the actual, original problem does lie with the original pump. 

 

Here's a test for the Jag afficenados among us, what's wrong with this picture?  The problem was easily 'fixed' once we realised why the pump sounded dry even though the big tank at the front was full but it will be fixed properly when I get time, it's a horrible bodge done by a previous owner.

 

 

By removing it (two massive bolts and it just slides off!) we also found that the wonky front bumper is just twisted on the passenger side, it's quite buckled up inside but hopefully can be straightened out fairly easily, I bolted it back on for now but both bent bumpers will get some attention at some point.

 

Next job is to bleed the brakes, they work very well but could be less mushy.  Then an oil and filter change, then it'll be MOT time.  Watch this space.

[Magnificent Rustbucket]

Unbelievable!!   Why on earth did Captain Bodger do that!!

 

If you can hammer the bumper beam straight, the rubber part will sit straight too. It is fairly wibbly once it's off the beam.

 

I am glad it is running well - these Jags really glide down the road in a way I haven't found in any other car I have driven. They do improve and 'free up' when you drive them a fair bit. Mine actually runs better if I drive it hard. It likes it!

[phil_lihp]

Yep, it would appear that the windscreen washer pump on the Jag's original reservoir is dead.  In order to 'fix' it, they have taken a tiny BMW washer tank (the logo is now visible as I've wiped some of the dirt off) and integral pump, probably out of the rear of a 3 series tourer or similar, hung it off a suitably placed bolt in the engine bay (hence it's loose and moves about), cut the wires off the Jag's dead pump and re-routed them with a massively over-long grey wire pair to the BMW pump.  I never spotted it before.

 

What this means is the headlamp washers have an entire, huge reservoir all to themselves (they still work perfectly) whilst the windscreen washers are run off a tiny, mug-sized tank flopping about inches from the manifold (hey, it will defrost quickly in the winter!).  Once refilled, it does work but it's a bit daft.

 

I guess the pump was too expensive or too much of a pain to access and it was easier to bodge in a pump that was lying around the workshop to get it through an MOT but it will not be staying like that!

[Magnificent Rustbucket]

They're not cheap - but not drastically expensive:

 

http://www.jaguarclassicparts.com/uk/jaguar-xj6-xj12-parts/wiper-and-washer-systems/windscreen-washers/screenwash-system

 

Part number DBC6796, superseded by LNA7031CA

 

http://www.jagspares.co.uk/Manners/partdetail.asp?partno=DBC6796

 

http://www.sngbarratt.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=ab025ee1-eaac-4de9-b6f2-b981f8dc87c5

[phil_lihp]

Thanks!  I might try and repair this one or find a secondhand one first but I'll keep those links handy.

[Jim Bell]

Looks to be the same hue as the fishtank-less XJ40 I piloted briefly.  Was a canny car.  So ideal as a winter town commuter that I sold it about a month later.

Cant think of anything negative to say about them other than the thirst.

 

Well played!

 

 

[Magnificent Rustbucket]

I remember that Jag - with user name changes  didn't realise it was you who owned it.

[Magnificent Rustbucket]

Doesn't the 'Big Jag' look tiny!

[phil_lihp]

I must say I think I prefer the round lights to the fishtanks, one of mine has a hole in it and has deteriorated inside, it was an advisory on the last MOT but should still be OK for now, if it isn't I might be tempted to swap them out, although I'd almost certainly need to get the surround painted as I can't see me finding any in the right colour.  They do look good on WilsonWilson's, I think that's one of the only other Jade Green ones I've seen. 

[phil_lihp]

Oh dear.

 

• Test date20 June 2016
• Test ResultFail
• Odometer reading117,979 miles
• MOT test number9146 1524 8464
• Reason(s) for failure
  
  offside rear parking brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.6a)

  nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid Going over the roof, not on windscreen (8.2.3)

  nearside front upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

  rear Brake hose ferrule excessively corroded Off side and near side (3.6.B.4e)

  front Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded Bulkhead (3.6.C.3)

  Fuel system component insecure Fuel filter (7.2.1)
• Advisory notice item(s)
  
  Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

  coil spring corroded Off side and near side front and rear (2.4.C.1b)

  offside front Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

  rear Has slight play in rear off side and near side hub assemblys.

  Brake pipe slightly corroded One pipe front to rear (3.6.B.2c)

  Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

  Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) slightly corroded (2.3.2)

The MOT tester that my mechanic uses is apparently quite strict - certainly more so than whoever's been doing it for the last few years.  I'm currently waiting on an estimate for repairs, fuel lines are apparently quite bad but don't qualify as a failure under current rules, recommendation is to do them though so have asked for that to be included in the repair quote.

 

Bulkhead has been an advisory for years but it's now rotted right through and is near the brake servo, dash will have to come out for a full repair and I'm not really happy to bodge it.  The windscreen washer is an easy fix as the jet's come off and I have a replacement to go on which arrived yesterday but the rest is going to be expensive to fix.  Watch this space!

[Magnificent Rustbucket]

Oh dear.

 

• Test date20 June 2016
• Test ResultFail
• Odometer reading117,979 miles
• MOT test number9146 1524 8464
• Reason(s) for failure
  offside rear parking brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.6a)

  nearside Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid Going over the roof, not on windscreen (8.2.3)

  nearside front upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint (2.4.G.2)

  rear Brake hose ferrule excessively corroded Off side and near side (3.6.B.4e)

  front Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded Bulkhead (3.6.C.3)

  Fuel system component insecure Fuel filter (7.2.1)
• Advisory notice item(s)
  Fuel Pipe/s corroded ()

  coil spring corroded Off side and near side front and rear (2.4.C.1b)

  offside front Front wheel bearing has slight play (2.5.A.3c)

  rear Has slight play in rear off side and near side hub assemblys.

  Brake pipe slightly corroded One pipe front to rear (3.6.B.2c)

  Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 40mm circle outside zone 'A' (8.3.1d)

  Power steering pipe(s) or hose(s) slightly corroded (2.3.2)

The MOT tester that my mechanic uses is apparently quite strict - certainly more so than whoever's been doing it for the last few years.  I'm currently waiting on an estimate for repairs, fuel lines are apparently quite bad but don't qualify as a failure under current rules, recommendation is to do them though so have asked for that to be included in the repair quote.

 

Bulkhead has been an advisory for years but it's now rotted right through and is near the brake servo, dash will have to come out for a full repair and I'm not really happy to bodge it.  The windscreen washer is an easy fix as the jet's come off and I have a replacement to go on which arrived yesterday but the rest is going to be expensive to fix.  Watch this space!

 

Link to relevant page on the Jaguar classic cars site:

 

http://www.jaguarclassicparts.com/uk/jaguar-xj6-xj12-parts/steering-and-suspension/wishbone-and-hub-assembly-front/wishbone-upper-and-lower

 

 

 

The OE supplier of XJ40 ball joints is Lemförder - a ZF brand. This is the company which makes 'OE' ball joints supplied by SNG Barratt and David Manners. They come in a Lemförder box from both companies. I note the photos are identical to those on the JDHT website.

 

 

LOWER BALL JOINT - CAC9937# is substituted as a supersession part for JLM11860 on both sites. The Lemförder part number is 11794 01

 

David Manners, at £21.12 inc VAT, excl. delivery. http://www.jagspares.co.uk/Manners/partdetailalternate.asp?partno=JLM11860%23

 

SNG Barratt: at £21.24 inc. VAT but excl. delivery  http://www.sngbarratt.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=e3893e7b-cf74-4474-bb01-07cf1afc34e4

(currently on special offer - £19.12 including VAT)

 

 

UPPER BALL JOINT - CAC9938# The Lemförder part number is 11793 01

 

David Manners at £23.40 inc. VAT but excl. delivery http://www.jagspares.co.uk/Manners/partdetailalternate.asp?partno=CAC9938%23

 

SNG Barratt, at £24 inc VAT, excl. delivery. http://www.sngbarratt.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=fe76ad77-5f58-437a-867d-55a4bfde45f5

(currently on special offer £18.40 including VAT)

 

 

 

JLM1098# - Track rod end is also available from the same suppliers. It is also a Lemförder part.

 

From David Manners at £21 inc. VAT, excl. delivery: http://www.jagspares.co.uk/Manners/partdetailalternate.asp?partno=JLM1098%23

From SNG Barratt at £21 inc. VAT, excl. delivery: http://www.sngbarratt.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=170eaffb-0510-4960-be59-7fdd955d9a93

 

 

The Genuine Jaguar/OE ball joints have a reputation for lasting longer than the aftermarket items - and fortunately is on special offer at SNG Barratt at the moment.

 

 

This is the relevant page for rear brake pipes - some pipes are still available, some will need to be made up:

 

http://www.jaguarclassicparts.com/uk/jaguar-xj6-xj12-parts/braking-system/hydraulic-pipes/brake-pipes-rear

 

 

 

 

There is a good thread (there are in fact several, but this is the one which sticks in my mind) on removing the dash on the XJ40 for rust repairs ot the bulkhead. This thread has the advantage that the car is a 1994 model like yours - thus has a passenger's airbag.

 

https://www.xj40.com/viewtopic.php?t=5105

 

I am 'david' on that site - 'donkeyotty' is also on Autoshite, though not very active. He has mostly posted here about Reliant Robins IIRC!

 

To adjust the windscreen washers, the round top cover part turns/screws off, giving access to the jet.

 

Good luck with it!!

[phil_lihp]

Thanks!  That's a lot of info to digest.  Unfortunately as I'm in a new job which is taking up most of my time I can't spare very much time for car tinkering at the moment and thus anything past routine servicing has to be farmed out...we'll see once the estimate arrives.

 

The washer is easy, one is missing so blasting the water out of the hood that goes over it, I have a replacement jet which was part of a stock of bits I got from a helpful chap on the XJ40 forum.

[Magnificent Rustbucket]

That's a shame - these things can swiftly get expensive labour-wise when you're not doing it yourself. The parts are fairly cheap in the main though.

[purplebargeken]

XJ40's are ace cars. Comfy, wafty and go well when the throttle is prodded.

 

Keep going with it!

[phil_lihp]

This is now for sale, get it while it's hot!  I've been quoted £500 for repairs and it's just not viable for me to have this done so it's better that it goes to someone who can do the work and enjoy what is basically a very sound and solid car.

 

You all know the score, it's a very solid, late model 1994 4.0 Sovereign in Jade Green with rare Sage and Oatmeal leather interior and Aero alloys.

 

The current MOT runs until 2nd July so can be driven home if you're quick.  It's still taxed and insured at the moment and is safe to drive.

 

The MOT failures are listed above, the big one is the bulkhead which is around £200 of labour at my local garage, it includes removal of the dashboard and cutting out and welding in replacement metal.  The rest is parts and labour to fix the other issues, it does drive well however and none of the issues are major safety problems.

 

It has two nearly new Toyo CF Proxes tyres on the rear, 3 of the 4 brake calipers have been stripped and cleaned and the front brake pads are new.  The interior is in fairly good condition - the seats are excellent, the veneer has lifted on the dash ski slope, ashtray and driver's door but everything is intact and all of it works bar the air conditioning which may only need a regas, I don't know.  The brakes could do with bleeding, they work well but feel a bit spongey.

 

The engine is superb, smooth, quiet and powerful, averaging 21MPG over the last few weeks.  The gearbox is smooth with a responsive kickdown and the fluid looks pretty clean.  The engine oil looks fairly clean but may be a few years old as it's done barely any miles in the last few years.  The alternator has been reconditioned a few months ago and the battery is brand new.

 

The bodywork is excellent with only some bubbles around the sunroof and a little light scabbiness on the leading edges of the sills, it's rock solid underneath and around the A pillars and boot area.  Obviously, there's a scabby rust hole in the bulkhead behind the engine block, the last-of-the-line models with the battery in the boot are well known for this problem.

 

It's had a few elderly owners and as a result it looks pretty tatty close up.  The paintwork is terrible on the roof, boot and bonnet - a flapping car cover has sanded the lacquer off and it needs redoing.  Both bumpers are twisted but the steel frames can be hammered straight, so I'm told and there are numerous scrapes and scratches but no real dents anywhere.  The wheels are scruffy with bubbling corrosion on all of them, some worse than others.  I've grown to quite like its scruffy but solid appearance but it definitely could do with some cosmetic help.

 

It comes with a box of spares and also some proper Jaguar filters from Britparts (my next job was to service it!) and a big stack of bills and history going back to 2000 at least.

 

I'm resigned to a crushing loss on this given what I have spent on it in the last few months but hope it would be worth £600 to the right person.  I'd also entertain a swap depending on what it was.  It'll be on eBay at the weekend so trying it on here first just in case.

 

I'm in Barnstaple in North Devon, I will try to help with delivery if possible but I am also right next to the train station so it's easy to get to.

 

I have adored this car and everyone I know who's been in it has loved it, it will be hard to replace but I'm not in a position to keep throwing money at it so someone with more time and skill is needed to carry on its preservation.  

[Jim Bell]

FOAD needs this to sit next to his magnificent Mercedes-Benz.

[DVee8]

It's ok ken will offer the ax of blueness

[Partridge]

£500? Is that all???????????

 

Right now my Sterling is rolling around on it's roof on the drive way, laughing.

 

Fix it and sell it when it's worth 5 grand.

[dome]

What you want is a nice* Freelander....

[phil_lihp]

Almost tempting...

[Bobthebeard]

Would you perhaps consider a swap for a lovely 1990 Honda Prelude 2.0 auto if current negotiations dont pan out?

[phil_lihp]

Hmm. Potentially, yes. I've had my eye on it before and enjoyed the later model I had quite a lot.

[ChinaTom]

half a bag seems remarkably cheap for all that - or anything on an MOT fail Jag beyond a bulb! Either you're in for the other half of the bill on collection, or you have found a miraculously cheap option that you need to share with me!