[xj-s] New Member

["Richard F. Dixon" <rfdixon@chs.cummins.com>]

Hello, I've been lurking for about a month now on the list trying to get

caught up with all the old posts. So, I think it's about time I
introduce myself. My name is Richard Dixon and I live in Charleston, SC
in the USA. I'm 45 and work for Cummins Engine Co. as a mechanical
engineering technician. I became the proud owner of a Black 1982 XJ-S
H.E. serial number 107361 about a month ago. It has 110k miles on it and

the interior has been re-upholstered in tan cloth (not leather, sigh).
It is basically mechanically sound but does need some work. I haven't
done a compression test yet but it seems to be running on all 12.
However, it doesn't seem to have the low end torque I was expecting and
seems to be down on power compared to what you guys describe. ( My old
72 Gremlin with the AMC 390 would have kicked it's a--) But give me a
little more time and I'll sort it out. Here's a summary of what has been

done to it so far by the POs:

1. new ball joints and tie rod ends (later design)
2. new alternator
3. new fuel pump
4. repainted original black
5. new cloth interior
6. removed Jag radio and installed Sony (p.o.s.) cassette radio
incorrectly
7. all new belts
8. new AC compressor, hoses, expansion valve and evaporator ( however
the climate control
    system doesn't work, only have cold air)
9. new hood struts
10. installed urethane steering rack mounts

Here's what I have done so far:

1. restored stuck centrifugal advance to proper operation
2. replaced rear shocks with Gabriels (Advance Auto parts had them in
stock! with a rebate!)
3. replaced vacuum advance unit ($38 US at my local Jaguar dealer for
part)
4. replaced both thermostats
5. replaced fan clutch (with Four Seasons part #36944, $60, direct fit)
6. removed radiator, had it disassembled and cleaned and replaced
(solved my cooling problems)
7. replaced cam chain tensioner plug with 1 in. rubber expansion plug
7. tightened pinch bolt in lower steering u-joint ( boy, did that help
the steering!)
8. welded broken steering rack heat shield

Here's what I need to do:

High priority
1. replace lower bushings in front suspension
2. replace o-rings in oil filter housing to stop major oil leak
3. replace steering rack boots
4. restore Climate Control to proper operation (MDJ) (Most Dreaded Job)
5. buy 2 rear tires

Lower priority
6. repair noisy transmission mount
7. replace cruise control bellows and try to restore cruise control
operation
8. fix wiper auto parking ( it works in properly in delay )(?)
9. repair 2nd gear manual operation in TH400
10. change spark plugs
11. drive to Columbia, SC and meet Chad Bolles (100 miles)

One question I have for the group. I don't have any engine braking in
manual 2nd gear in the TH400. I know this means the 2nd brake band is
not applying. Does anyone know if it is more likely to be the servo not
working or the band worn out? I just want to know what to expect when I
pull the pan (I've done auto trans. work before). If it is the band, it
will have to wait until more than that is wrong with the transmission.

I have wanted a Jaguar ever since I was 10 years old and my parents had
a '53 Jaguar Mark VII. I still have very vivid memories of that car.
Like the wood in the interior, the fold down tables in the back seat,
the rear fold down arm rest, the sun roof, and the separate starter
button just to name a few. Let's hope my childhood dream doesn't turn
into an adult nightmare!

Thanks, Kirby, for "The Book". It has been an valuable resource, both
before and after my purchase. I promise my next post won't be so long.

Richard F. Dixon

78 AMX (3)
84 Kawasaki Ninja 900
94 Plymouth Grand Voyager Sport Wagon
86 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
87 Bayliner 2155 Sierra Sunbridge
82 Jaguar XJ-S HE

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