I just purchased a 1986 XJ6 for 1900. Here's what I see so far. Engine has a miss (replaced plugs, wires, distributor cap no help). Leaks oil (sounds like they all do). Smokes (car set for 4 years maybe rings or a stuck valve). Rust (not too bad). Overall interior good (2 windows do not work). Air condtioner hot (22 yrs old of course). Where do I need to start on getting this baby going and trustworthy?

Submitted by keith.loretta@… on Mon, 07/21/2008 - 23:07

The car being 22 years old has nothing to do with the AC being hot. My 85 XJ-6 AC will freeze your back side to the seats. Even newer cars can have problems. First off check the hot water valve located on the firewall. Check for the vacuum. If none it will default to hot. Even if it works, the valve inside could be froze open, allowing the hot water to flow. Check the freon. Make sure the compressor kicks in when turned on. There are two fuses for the compressor, ones a 20 Amp (as I recall), and another a 3 Amp under the console, passenger side. I almost decided to rip my entire heat and air unit out in favor of a custom unit, like they use in custom hotrods. Once I found the 3 Amp fuse, its been working great ever since. Also you have a heat fuse on the side of the compressor. Just some things to think about. When you get started on the repairs, post back with the exact symptoms, and we can go from there.

Submitted by krisklugcreel@… on Mon, 07/21/2008 - 09:08

Hi Al,

If you are in the Sacramento, CA area, I highly recommend Dan Kelly of the British Car Service Center in Sacramento. He has over 37 years of experience with Jaguar maintenence, repair, racing, and restoration. I take my 1986 XJ6 to him and have been thoroughly pleased with the repairs and the customer service. Very knowledgeable and direct.

Best,
Kristina Creel
Folsom, CA
1986 XJ6

Submitted by silver007@shaw.ca on Sun, 07/20/2008 - 18:51

Hi Al,
re the miss you may just need a new tank of gas, or check and see if all the injectors are ticking away, sometimes they stick if sitting around for a while. Window switches probably need cleaning, re oit check pan bolts etc for torque, may need new gaskets etc.get on it. Art