New Guy Here, My father and I are planning on draining the tank of his 1956 XK140. We think there might be some water / moisture in the tank. The car is blowing out white smoke on the left. Hoping it is this and not head gasket as we should think.
What can i expect by draining the tank? other than to be careful.

Submitted by NE08-63766 on Tue, 11/22/2005 - 21:43

If you were pulling water from the tank, your Jag would probably run like crap if it ran at all. My guess is blown head gasket in the front 3 cyls. since that feeds the left pipe. Check dipstick for water droplets & the 3 front plugs for moisture or rust color.
Whatever moisture is in the tank could be corrected with a few cans of dry gas. I know removing the head is a royal pain, been there, but if that's the case, gotta get it done.

Regards, Otto M.
-58 XK-150fhc, S-834292DN

Submitted by jreminga@devel… on Tue, 11/22/2005 - 20:06

I am currently restoring my 57 XK-140 OTS. Two very important things I learned while getting the plug out of my tank are 1) buy a proper Whitworth socket and, 2) if it won't budge, use an impact wrench. You can order Whitworth sockets at http://www.britishtool.com/. Normal sockets will round the head and the vise grips and pipe wrench you will be inclined to use next will really make a mess. If it is stuck, the impact wrench should work. Ther is (or should be) a brass screen on the plug. And as you said...be very careful. Roll the car outside if possible. It would be horrible to lose the car. Worse still to lose the garage and house.

You should also check out www.jag-lovers.org. There is an XK based forum that would also be thrilled to help with your questions.

A head gasket wouldn't get water into the fuel tank. Is there water in the oil or oil in the radiator? A bad head gasket may cause one or both.

Each carb serves three cylinders and one exhaust pipe. Have you gone through the carbs? Water in the tank would likely have the same effect on both carbs and both exhaust pipes, but it's still a good idea to dump any stale fuel and start fresh.

Good luck.

Jim Reminga
1957 XK-140 OTS SE