I have a 1988 XJS with 92000 miles on it. I recently changed the
oil and oil filter, the air filter, the fuel filter. I want to
compete a tune up. Is anyone aware of a good discussion of what
needs to be done to perform a complete tune up on this engine in
novice language? I realize that the spark plugs should be replaced
with newly gapped plugged and new wires, but those plugs look
difficult to get out. Is anyone aware of a manual or a forum
discussion that goes through a tune-up step by step in very basic
language for someone that has never done one before? Just by
putting in new air filter the engine is running better. I want to
complete the job and experience the benefits. Thanks.
John jsalla007 at gmail.com

Submitted by jsalla007@gmail.com on Fri, 05/21/2010 - 00:11

Edited on 2010-05-21 0:16:02

George and Dwight, thanks to both of you for your counsel and advice. I ordered the book that George mentioned. I am looking forward to the tune-up. Yes, this is a Hess & Eisenhardt. John

Submitted by dwcurtiss@virt… on Thu, 05/20/2010 - 12:54

Hi John,

George is much wiser with all things Jaguar than I but I can offer this bit of advice; before pulling the plugs use a shop vac to remove loose grit and other nasty stuff from dropping down into the cyclinders. Concerning the special plub removal tool George mentions - it worked for me but did crack the ceramic insulator one of front plugs. be careful to not drop bits of ceramic into the cyclinder. One last word of advice is to not cheap-out on the replacement rotor and distributor cap; I went with Jag replacement partsand have (knock on wood) not any any problems.

Good Luck!
Dwight

Submitted by SE98-32482CJ on Thu, 05/20/2010 - 11:58

John is that a Hess and Eisenhart? I have one and love it (regardless of the press). To answer your questions the first thing I would advise you to do is secure the proper workshop manual--they have a detailed maint. scheduls and will guide you through. JCNA offers it in the shoppe here under workshop manuals at a great price. It is number B-J85WH. As far as your plugs go the rear 10 are reasonable with extensions and a wobble joint--the front two are not doable with any over the shelf tool known to man--but Jaguar knew that and in your jack bag you should find a special tool for removing all of them--it is not fast but it will help loosen the front two (where the real challenge is). If you do not like that then the next best step is to take the AC compressor loose and move it aside (carefully so you do not damage the lines or loose the charge) then do the front 2. By the way the language in the workshop manual is easy to read with very few "English" idioms thrown in. Best of luck.