I recently purchased a 71 FHC, 4.2 liter, with power steering. The rack was leaking and I purchased a rebuilt unit from CoventryWest. When I pulled the old rack off my car I noticed the pump pulley had made contact with the steering rack. After installing the new rack, it too makes contact with the belt on the pump pulley, barely. The instructions with the rack talked of using thrust & fender washers on the rack mounts to obtain a proper fit and to note where existing washers are located. There were few washers present on the old rack when removed. Looking for advice on how to find that needed clearance between the pump pulley and input shaft of the rack. It is very close at that particular point. Thanks, Ben Curlin

Submitted by bencurlin@char… on Sat, 07/20/2013 - 22:00

Motors mounts did increase the clearance and the car is ready to run. It does seem that Jaguar spent little time in fitting these last 4.2 cars with the power steering option fitting the pump between the same frame rails with no alterations resulting in such a tight fit. My car has the forward mounting for the alternator but have seen pictures in Haddock's E-type Restoration Guide that the alternator when mounted on the side of the engine block appears to have more clearance. I hope to see one someday and take a close look. Thanks everyone.

Submitted by Bfastr@cox.net on Mon, 07/01/2013 - 09:41

Ben, all the major parts places have mounts. I hate to leave any off the list, But I got mine at XKS.com , they sell the OEM one like I got, which I can tell wont last a lifetime, but their upgrade version is super expensive. the regular ones are 6.55 each while the upgrades are 149.00 a pair.

after installing the lost cost units I would recommend the extra bucks for a little stiffer mount material.

shop around, I seem to recall someone having a mid grade unit too. it could be Terrys jag, or Welsh enterprises or SNG Barrett.

Bob F

just search on CO-4794

Submitted by Bfastr@cox.net on Sun, 06/30/2013 - 09:54

Ben, replace the motor mounts, I would start there.
the 9300 is the best fit belt, I went thru similar problems and tried about four different belts. if the belt is too short then the PS mount rubs the H2O belt, if its too long it is way out at the end of the slot.

I am using a 9305, but its just a hair too long, the problem I found is that the actual belt lengths and the specs are never exact. I found various lengths of 9305's , so I did a trial and error until I was happy. But I will go with a 9300 if I have to take the front end apart again. I dont like how far out the PS pump has to swing to make the belt tight, but I still have plenty of clearance from the rack.

new motor mounts makes a huge difference in clearance

Bob F

Submitted by bencurlin@char… on Sun, 06/30/2013 - 08:02

This is the first e-type I have owned and purchased this one just to get familiar with them before moving on to a nicer series one. With that said, the car appears to be "straight" on the front end. After doing more research online, I too think the motor mounts may be the problem. The belt I am using is a NAPA 9300 and it puts my bottom bolt midway on the pump's slot in the mounting bracket which should be close enough. If the mount is not the problem, I will show it to others and try to get to the bottom of all of this. Thanks for your response. Ben Curlin

Submitted by rcmaury@bellso… on Sat, 06/29/2013 - 21:59

The instructions included are general instructions for all racks as applicable. Your rack does not use the kind of rack mounts that use the washers/shims. If your pump is hitting the rack and was hitting the previous rack, then something is wrong. You might have the wrong size belt to start with or the engine mounts may have softened over time. You might want to have someone else look at the car to help find what is not right.