I have a 1986 Jaguar XJS V12 HE. The compression test shows that cylinders 1B, 4B, 5B, and 6B need to be rebuilt.

I know very little about jaguar repair. I was advised to sell the vehicle for parts or pay $14,000 for a new engine (don't want to do either).

Someone mentioned that since there were only bad cylinders on the B side that I would only need 1/2 the engine rebuilt....is that an option?

Thanks for any advice!!!

Submitted by brianscats@sym… on Fri, 11/05/2004 - 11:25

I am in Toronto,Canada.Over the past 30 years I have rebuilt many Jaguar V-12 heads for my own cars and also for many of my friends.These forums seem to be from spectaters rather than from thoes that actually
get right in there and get it done.The biggest problem that I encounter is
pulling the head off of the block.Most previous owners just drive the cars and rarely spend any money keeping them up.It is the L.H. head that is always the problem.Always remember to slacken the timing chain before
attempting to pull either head.If you need advise or assistance you may call upon me.
Brian Scriven.

1957 XK 150 D.H.C.
1962 MK 10 4 manual o/drive
1965 3.8S

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 09/03/2017 - 14:32

Hi Brian . My brother has a v12 making a rattling sound . Maybe timming chain . I am mechanical but never worked on a jag especially v12 . Will I need any special tools ? I have a modest amount of tools .
Thanks

Submitted by NE52-32043 on Mon, 09/27/2004 - 10:41

I agree with Art. Coventry West is a good source.

There are other alternatives. First, I didn't see from your post where you are located. Let us know. We might be able to make recommendations.

If someone is quoting you $14K to rebuild or replace the engine, they are ripping you off. It shouldn't cost anywhere near that. Not half that. Contact your local JCNA affiliated Jaguar club and ask around for good Jaguar mechanics in your area. Someone with experience with the V-12's. Dealers are not likley candidates, as they don't like to work on older cars and will probably charge top dollar. It would be unusual for you to need a complete rebuild on one of these engines, unless as pointed out, it has been seriously overheated and damaged from dropped valve seats.

Another alternative is a company called Crowe Engineering. They actually come to your house and rebuild your engine in your driveway. I takes them a couple of days to do it, but they park their trailer in your driveway, pull the engine, do the rebuild and whatever else is necessary. That's assuming your car needs a complete rebuild.

Have someone reputable who knows these cars take a look at it for you and determine what it really needs. Then make a decision. There is no way I'd spend $14K on an '86 XJS engine rebuild. And there is absolutely no reason to. Check out other alternatives.

Steve Weinstein, JTC-NJ
'70 XKE FHC
'69 XKE OTS
Former '89 XJS owner

Submitted by silver007@shaw.ca on Sat, 09/25/2004 - 21:52

Hi Dick,
Perhaps you have a good V12 to sell to Barbara, I would highly reccomend Coventry West as a reputable source, I have also heard removing the heads from these smooth performers can be a major cost in itself, Regards, Art

Art Dickenson.
1983 XJS GT \"Silver\""

Submitted by silver007@shaw.ca on Sat, 09/25/2004 - 16:02

Hi Barbara,
being an enthusiast and not a millionaire I prefer the following solution.
Preferably if you have a male friend who knows about cars , and is not afraid of a little bargaining , get him to call local wreckers and find a good used motor from a wreck / whatever, you should get one of these for a couple of grand,
Regards, Art Dickenson
----- Original Message -----

Art Dickenson.
1983 XJS GT \"Silver\""