Car has 102,000 miles on it...not sure of the exact service record prior to my buying it a few years ago..have not put many miles on it, now trying to make a driver out of it.

Runs nicely although I have what I believe is timing chain "jingle" and the tensioner needs replacing I am assuming. Biggest problem I am facing is the car literally will go through about 1 quart of oil every 50-60 miles. You'd think a car using oil like that would leave a smokescreen - but this doesn't. Leaks a bit, but not to the extent of losing anything like this much oil...and really not noticeably smoking at speed...and as mentioned, running pretty well

Compression at 140 on all cylinders except 1 & 3 which are at 120.

Had a cylinder leak down test done which showed leakage at 10-12% which I am told is good. Anyone have any experience with a head with 102,000 miles losing oil like this and still allow the engine to run so well? Also, assuming normal wear and tear and good maintenance, what is the mileage life you would expect to get out of the top end?

Also, any thoughts or experiences on rebuilding just the top end of a motor like this (with 102,000 miles on it) assuming I leave the cylinders and lower end alone...

Submitted by NE23-54945 on Thu, 10/17/2013 - 22:30

Enjoy it my friend, nothing is perfect anymore.....Jus drive it.....Its a lot of fun with a driver, if something falls off just glue it back together........
Smiles per miles...keep going.
Enjoy the day!
GJOEY1314

Submitted by salzgreen@gmail.com on Tue, 10/15/2013 - 19:46

Joey,

did a 60 mile loop up the coast, inland and back...so half the ride was at a fairly warm air temp....gauge went up a little, but the fans did their job and held it pretty steady.

Can't say for sure, but I think it actually is burning less oil...I held a steady 65-70 pretty much all the way...I checked the hash marks on the dip stick before the run, and just renewed it to where it was before I started after about a 3 hour cool down.

1/2 a quart brought it back to starting level...maybe it is wishful thinking, but I think it might have improved...going to give it another run and then change the oil out...

Submitted by NE23-54945 on Sun, 10/13/2013 - 22:11

So , the more your driving the better it gets? What a great idea.......hold off your will reading kids....The old man is enjoying the ride!
Unless your valve guides are shot, keep driving let everything warm up and bed in again....
The ETYPE is the greatest car, but if it sits, they just fall apart.
KEEP DRIVING!

Submitted by edjagm@comcast.net on Thu, 10/10/2013 - 15:18

Bernie
, I have the same problem on my 1964 S1 Coupe. exact compression on cylinders 1 thru 5 and 6 is down about 30 psi to 120 psi..
However I noticed my air cleaner and tank was soaked with oil dripping excessively.
I concluded that the low cylinder is pushing the oil thru the breather and that not much can be performed unless you want to rebuild the engine.

good luck

Ed Messikian
Jaguar Club of Southern New England

Submitted by salzgreen@gmail.com on Wed, 10/09/2013 - 16:08

haha...too funny... just saw your post GT....sort of like run Forest run...Gump

popped the cover already, screen was fine...and yes, I am running 20w50...pressure is strong too, gauge not all over the place....pretty much buried at 60 after starting

trying to put more daily miles on...can't go wrong with that

Submitted by NE23-54945 on Sun, 10/06/2013 - 18:44

Well Bernie, its 40 plus years old, probably sat which is worse, try the breather screen, you might get a surprise. Its old my friend......clean the front baffle and screen, change the oil , hopefully your running 20w50. DRIVE IT BABY, DRIVE IT, see if the pressure on the gage is all over the place, If its steady, enjoy the ride, MAYBE the rings will bed in, if not, run it till it blows...Then a redo, the top end alone IS NOT WORTH IT.
To many jag owners let these cars rot in the garage, DRIVE IT BERNIE....Will be driving my 70 etype to PEBBLE NEXT YEAR FROM LONG ISLAND......Anyone want to join in, its really fun. At the cemetery the kids will be looking for pennies on the dollar...DRIVE BERNIE, DRIVE!
GTJOEY1314

Submitted by salzgreen@gmail.com on Fri, 10/04/2013 - 13:25

thanks for your thoughts on the breather... I sure would like to think there is a more simple fix..should there be increasing suction on the end of the line that leads into the air cleaner under revs and would the absence of suction there indicate a clog in the breather?

I've never had the breather apart...is there a filter in there or just baffles?

Bernie

Submitted by bonnettoboot@e… on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 22:54

When the leak test was done where was the pressure leaking out, It could be as simple as a blocked breather, or bad valve seals or s serious as worn piston,rings,valves. The test should have helped you determine the cause. On an original engine of this age, when you open it you will end up doing everything.