1997 JAGUAR XJ6 air condition

12Remove the four bolts in each camshaft
inner sprocket (see illustration). The bolts are
secured by sheetmetal “washer” plates. Bend
down the locking tabs with a hammer and
screwdriver tip to remove the bolts.
Caution: Stuff rags below the sprockets
while removing the bolts to prevent a bolt
from falling down into the front cover.
13Remove the two bolts retaining the upper
chain guide to the cylinder head (see
illustration).
14Pull the inner sprockets from each
camshaft (see illustration). Each camshaft
sprocket is comprised of an inner and outer,
each with a set of fine splines that lock them
together. The outer sprockets, with the teeth,
can rotate on the camshafts until the inner
sprocket bolts are tightened.
15Pull the outer sprockets from the
camshafts and allow the chain slacken.
16At this point the camshafts can be
carefully lifted straight up and off the cylinder
head. Take care not to nick any of the lobes or
journals during removal.
17Use a magnet to remove the lifters,
keeping them in order in a divided, numbered
box (see illustration). They must be returned
to their original location if reusing the original
camshafts!
18Removing the lifters exposes the
adjusting shims, sitting in a pocket in eachvalve spring retainer (see illustration). Keep
the shims with their matching lifters. Measure
the thickness of each shim with a micrometer
and record the measurements.
Inspection
19After the camshaft has been removed
from the engine, cleaned with solvent and
dried, inspect the bearing journals for uneven
wear, pitting and evidence of seizure. If the
journals are damaged, the bearing surfaces in
the cylinder head and caps may be damaged
as well, requiring renewal of the cylinder head.
20Measure the bearing journals with a
micrometer to determine if they are excessivelyworn or out-of-round (see illustration).
Compare the measurements to Specifications.
21Check the camshaft lobes for heat
discolouration, score marks, chipped areas,
pitting and uneven wear. Measure the lobe
heights with a micrometer and record the
measurements (see illustrations). If there is
variance of more than 0.005-inch, the
camshaft and lifters must be renewed. If the
lobes are in good condition, the camshaft can
be reused.
22Inspect the top, bottom and side surfaces
of the lifters for wear, grooving or scoring. If
the lifters are damaged, the camshaft and its
lifters must be renewed as a set.
Engine in-car repair procedures 2A•11
2A
10.13 Remove the two bolts and the upper
timing chain guide (arrowed)10.14 Pull the inner sprocket from the
outer sprocket of each camshaft
10.17 A magnet can be used to remove
the lifters (arrowed)10.18 The valve adjustment shims
(arrowed) fit into a pocket in the valve
spring retainer - use a magnet to remove
the shims and keep them with their
respective lifters10.20 Measure the bearing journals with a
micrometer to check diameter - measure
at several places around the journal to
check for taper or out-of-round
3261 Jaguar XJ6 10.12 Bend back the locking tabs
(arrowed) and remove the camshaft
sprocket bolts
10.21a Measure the camshaft lobe at its
greatest dimension . . .10.21b . . . and subtract the camshaft lobe
diameter at its smallest dimension to
obtain the lobe lift

Engine block
Deck warpage limit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.076 mm (0.003 inch)
Cylinder bore diameter
Standard
Size group A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90.990 to 91.003 mm (3.5823 to 3.5828 inches)
Size group B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91.005 to 91.018 mm (3.5829 to 3.5834 inches)
Oversize
0.25 mm (0.010 inch) OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91.259 to 91.272 mm (3.5929 to 3.5934 inches)
0.50 mm (0.020 inch) OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91.513 to 91.526 mm (3.6029 to 3.6034 inches)
Pistons and rings
Piston-to-bore clearance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.017 to 0.043 mm (0.0007 to 0.0017 inch)
Piston ring end gap
No.1 (top) compression ring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.40 to 0.66 mm (0.016 to 0.026 inch)
No.2 (middle) compression ring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.40 to 0.66 mm (0.016 to 0.026 inch)
Oil ring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.30 to 0.55 mm (0.012 to 0.022 inch)
Piston ring groove clearance
No. 1 (top) compression ring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.040 to 0.076 mm (0.0016 to 0.0030 inch)
No. 2 (middle) compression ring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.040 to 0.076 mm (0.0016 to 0.0030 inch)
Torque wrench settingsNm lbf ft
Main bearing cap bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 to 142 100 to 105
Connecting rod cap nuts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 to 60 37 to 44
* Note:Refer to Part A for additional torque specifications.
2B•2 Engine removal and overhaul procedures
3261 Jaguar XJ6
1 General information
Included in this portion of Chapter 2 are the
general overhaul procedures for the cylinder
head and internal engine components.
The information ranges from advice
concerning preparation for an overhaul and
the purchase of replacement parts to detailed,
step-by-step procedures covering removal
and refitting of internal engine components
and the inspection of parts.
The following Sections have been written
based on the assumption that the engine has
been removed from the vehicle. For
information concerning in-vehicle engine
repair, as well as removal and refitting of the
external components necessary for the
overhaul, see Part A of this Chapter.
The Specifications included in this Part are
only those necessary for the inspection and
overhaul procedures which follow. Refer to
Part A for additional Specifications.
2 Engine overhaul-
general information
It’s not always easy to determine when, or if,
an engine should be completely overhauled,
as a number of factors must be considered.
High mileage is not necessarily an indication
that an overhaul is needed, while low mileage
doesn’t preclude the need for an overhaul.
Frequency of servicing is probably the most
important consideration. An engine that’s had
regular and frequent oil and filter changes, as
well as other required maintenance, will most
likely give many thousands of miles of reliableservice. Conversely, a neglected engine may
require an overhaul very early in its life.
Excessive oil consumption is an indication
that piston rings, valve seals and/or valve
guides are in need of attention. Make sure that
oil leaks aren’t responsible before deciding
that the rings and/or guides are bad. Perform a
cylinder compression check to determine the
extent of the work required (see Section 4).
Also check the vacuum readings under various
conditions (see Section 3).
Check the oil pressure with a gauge
installed in place of the oil pressure sender
unit (see illustrations)and compare it to this
Chapter’s Specifications. If it’s extremely low,
the bearings and/or oil pump are probably
worn out.
Loss of power, rough running, knocking or
metallic engine noises, excessive valve train
noise and high fuel consumption rates may
also point to the need for an overhaul,
especially if they’re all present at the same
time. If a complete tune-up doesn’t remedy
the situation, major mechanical work is the
only solution.An engine overhaul involves restoring the
internal parts to the specifications of a new
engine. During an overhaul, the piston rings
are replaced and the cylinder walls are
reconditioned (rebored and/or honed). If a
rebore is done by an automotive machine
workshop, new oversize pistons will also be
installed. The main bearings, big-end bearings
and camshaft bearings are generally replaced
with new ones and, if necessary, the
crankshaft may be reground to restore the
journals. Generally, the valves are serviced as
well, since they’re usually in less-than-perfect
condition at this point. While the engine is
being overhauled, other components, such as
the distributor, starter and alternator, can be
rebuilt as well. The end result should be a like
new engine that will give many trouble free
miles. Note:Critical cooling system
components such as the hoses, drivebelts,
thermostat and water pump should be
replaced with new parts when an engine is
overhauled. The radiator should be checked
carefully to ensure that it isn’t clogged or
leaking (see Chapter 3).If you purchase a
2.4a The oil pressure sender unit (arrowed)
is located in the right front corner of the
engine block, near the oil filter2.4b The oil pressure can be checked by
removing the sender unit and refitting a
pressure gauge in its place

rebuilt engine or short block, some rebuilders
will not warranty their engines unless the
radiator has been professionally flushed. Also,
we don’t recommend overhauling the oil
pump - always refit a new one when an engine
is rebuilt.
Before beginning the engine overhaul, read
through the entire procedure to familiarise
yourself with the scope and requirements of
the job. Overhauling an engine isn’t difficult,
but it is time-consuming. Plan on the vehicle
being tied up for a minimum of two weeks,
especially if parts must be taken to an
automotive machine workshop for repair or
reconditioning. Check on availability of parts
and make sure that any necessary special
tools and equipment are obtained in advance.
Most work can be done with typical hand
tools, although a number of precision
measuring tools are required for inspecting
parts to determine if they must be renewed.
Often an automotive machine workshop will
handle the inspection of parts and offer
advice concerning reconditioning and
renewal. Note:Always wait until the engine
has been completely dismantled and all
components, especially the engine block,
have been inspected before deciding what
service and repair operations must be
performed by an automotive machine
workshop. Since the engine block’s condition
will be the major factor to consider when
determining whether to overhaul the original
engine or buy a rebuilt one, never purchase
parts or have machine work done on other
components until the engine block has been
thoroughly inspected. As a general rule, time
is the primary cost of an overhaul, so it
doesn’t pay to refit worn or substandard
parts.
If it turns out that a number of major
components are beyond reconditioning, it
may be cost effective to buy a factory-rebuilt
engine from a Jaguar dealership.
As a final note, to ensure maximum life and
minimum trouble from a rebuilt engine,
everything must be assembled with care in a
spotlessly-clean environment.
3 Vacuum gauge
diagnostic checks
2
A vacuum gauge provides valuable
information about what is going on in the
engine at a low cost. You can check for worn
rings or cylinder walls, leaking cylinder head or
intake manifold gaskets, incorrect carburettor
adjustments, restricted exhaust, stuck or
burned valves, weak valve springs, improper
ignition or valve timing and ignition problems.
Unfortunately, vacuum gauge readings are
easy to misinterpret, so they should be used
with other tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Both the absolute readings and the rate of
needle movement are important for accurate
interpretation. Most gauges measure vacuumin inches of mercury (in-Hg). As vacuum
increases (or atmospheric pressure decreases),
the reading will decrease. Also, for every
1000 foot increase in elevation above sea level;
the gauge readings will decrease about one
inch of mercury.
Connect the vacuum gauge directly to
intake manifold vacuum, not to ported (above
the throttle plate) vacuum (see illustration).
Be sure no hoses are left disconnected during
the test or false readings will result.
Before you begin the test, allow the engine
to warm up completely. Block the wheels and
set the handbrake. With the transmission in
Park, start the engine and allow it to run at
normal idle speed.
Warning: Carefully inspect the
fan blades for cracks or damage
before starting the engine. Keep
your hands and the vacuum
tester clear of the fan and do not stand in
front of the vehicle or in line with the fan
when the engine is running.
Read the vacuum gauge; an average,
healthy engine should normally produce
between 17 and 22 inches of vacuum with a
fairly steady needle.
Refer to the following vacuum gauge
readings and what they indicate about the
engines condition:
1A low steady reading usually indicates a
leaking gasket between the intake manifold
and carburettor or throttle body, a leaky
vacuum hose, late ignition timing or incorrect
camshaft timing. Check ignition timing with a
timing light and eliminate all other possible
causes, utilising the tests provided in this
Chapter before you remove the timing belt
cover to check the timing marks.
2If the reading is three to eight inches below
normal and it fluctuates at that low reading,
suspect an intake manifold gasket leak at an
intake port or a faulty injector.
3If the needle has regular drops of about two
to four inches at a steady rate the valves are
probably leaking. Perform a compression or
leak-down test to confirm this.
4An irregular drop or down-flick of the
needle can be caused by a sticking valve or
an ignition misfire. Perform a compression or
leak-down test and read the spark plugs.5A rapid vibration of about four in-Hg
vibration at idle combined with exhaust
smoke indicates worn valve guides. Perform a
leak-down test to confirm this. If the rapid
vibration occurs with an increase in engine
speed, check for a leaking intake manifold
gasket or cylinder head gasket, weak valve
springs, burned valves or ignition misfire.
6A slight fluctuation, say one inch up and
down, may mean ignition problems. Check all
the usual tune-up items and, if necessary, run
the engine on an ignition analyser.
7If there is a large fluctuation, perform a
compression or leak-down test to look for a
weak or dead cylinder or a blown cylinder
head gasket.
8If the needle moves slowly through a wide
range, check for a clogged PCV system,
incorrect idle fuel mixture, throttle body or
intake manifold gasket leaks.
9Check for a slow return after revving the
engine by quickly snapping the throttle open
until the engine reaches about 2,500 rpm and
let it shut. Normally the reading should drop to
near zero, rise above normal idle reading
(about 5 in.-Hg over) and then return to the
previous idle reading. If the vacuum returns
slowly and doesn’t peak when the throttle is
snapped shut, the rings may be worn. If there
is a long delay, look for a restricted exhaust
system (often the silencer or catalytic
converter). An easy way to check this is to
temporarily disconnect the exhaust ahead of
the suspected part and redo the test.
4 Cylinder compression check
2
1A compression check will tell you what
mechanical condition the upper end (pistons,
rings, valves, cylinder head gasket) of your
engine is in. Specifically, it can tell you if the
compression is down due to leakage caused
by worn piston rings, defective valves and
seats or a blown cylinder head gasket. Note:
The engine must be at normal operating
temperature and the battery must be fully
charged for this check.
2Begin by cleaning the area around the
spark plugs before you remove them
(compressed air should be used, if available,
otherwise a small brush or even a bicycle tyre
pump will work). The idea is to prevent dirt
from getting into the cylinders as the
compression check is being done.
3Remove all of the spark plugs from the
engine (see Chapter 1).
4Block the throttle wide open.
5Detach the coil wire from the centre of the
distributor cap and ground it on the engine
block. Use a jumper wire with alligator clips on
each end to ensure a good earth. Also,
remove the fuel pump relay (see Chapter 4) to
disable the fuel pump during the compression
test.
Engine removal and overhaul procedures 2B•3
2B
3.4 The vacuum gauge is easily attached
to a port on the intake manifold, and can
tell a lot about an engine’s state of tune
3261 Jaguar XJ6

6Refit the compression gauge in the spark
plug hole (see illustration).
7Crank the engine over at least seven
compression strokes and watch the gauge.
The compression should build up quickly in a
healthy engine. Low compression on the first
stroke, followed by gradually increasing
pressure on successive strokes, indicates
worn piston rings. A low compression reading
on the first stroke, which doesn’t build up
during successive strokes, indicates leaking
valves or a blown cylinder head gasket (a
cracked cylinder head could also be the
cause). Deposits on the undersides of the
valve heads can also cause low compression.
Record the highest gauge reading obtained.
8Repeat the procedure for the remaining
cylinders and compare the results to this
Chapter’s Specifications.
9Add some engine oil (about three squirts
from a plunger-type oil can) to each cylinder,
through the spark plug hole, and repeat the
test.
10If the compression increases after the oil
is added, the piston rings are definitely worn.
If the compression doesn’t increase
significantly, the leakage is occurring at the
valves or cylinder head gasket. Leakage past
the valves may be caused by burned valve
seats and/or faces or warped, cracked or bent
valves.
11If two adjacent cylinders have equally low
compression, there’s a strong possibility that
the cylinder head gasket between them is
blown. The appearance of coolant in the
combustion chambers or the crankcase
would verify this condition.
12If one cylinder is 20 percent lower than the
others, and the engine has a slightly rough
idle, a worn exhaust lobe on the camshaft
could be the cause.
13If the compression is unusually high, the
combustion chambers are probably coated
with carbon deposits. If that’s the case, the
cylinder head(s) should be removed and
decarbonised.
14If compression is way down or varies
greatly between cylinders, it would be a goodidea to have a leak-down test performed by
an automotive repair workshop. This test will
pinpoint exactly where the leakage is
occurring and how severe it is.
5 Engine removal-
methods and precautions
If you’ve decided that an engine must be
removed for overhaul or major repair work,
several preliminary steps should be taken.
Locating a suitable place to work is
extremely important. Adequate work space,
along with storage space for the vehicle, will
be needed. If a workshop or garage isn’t
available, at the very least a flat, level, clean
work surface made of concrete or asphalt is
required.
Cleaning the engine compartment and
engine before beginning the removal
procedure will help keep tools clean and
organised.
An engine hoist or A-frame will also be
necessary. Make sure the equipment is rated
in excess of the combined weight of the
engine and transmission. Safety is of primary
importance, considering the potential hazards
involved in lifting the engine out of the vehicle.
If the engine is being removed by a novice,
a helper should be available. Advice and aid
from someone more experienced would also
be helpful. There are many instances when
one person cannot simultaneously perform all
of the operations required when lifting the
engine out of the vehicle.
Plan the operation ahead of time. Arrange
for or obtain all of the tools and equipment
you’ll need prior to beginning the job. Some of
the equipment necessary to perform engine
removal and refitting safely and with relative
ease are (in addition to an engine hoist) a
heavy duty trolley jack, complete sets of
spanners and sockets as described in the
front of this manual, wooden blocks and
plenty of rags and cleaning solvent for
mopping up spilled oil, coolant and petrol. If
the hoist must be rented, make sure that you
arrange for it in advance and perform all of the
operations possible without it beforehand.
This will save you money and time.
Plan for the vehicle to be out of use for
quite a while. A machine workshop will be
required to perform some of the work which
the do-it-yourselfer can’t accomplish without
special equipment. These shops often have a
busy schedule, so it would be a good idea to
consult them before removing the engine in
order to accurately estimate the amount of
time required to rebuild or repair components
that may need work.
Always be extremely careful when removing
and refitting the engine. Serious injury can
result from careless actions. Plan ahead, take
your time and a job of this nature, although
major, can be accomplished successfully.
6 Engine- removal and refitting
3
Note:Read through the entire Section before
beginning this procedure. It is recommended
to remove the engine and transmission from
the top as a unit, then separate the engine
from the transmission on the workshop floor. If
the transmission is not being serviced, it is
possible to leave the transmission in the
vehicle and remove the engine from the top by
itself, by removing the crankshaft damper and
tilting up the front end of the engine for
clearance,but access to the upper
bellhousing bolts is only practical when the
rear transmission mount and driveshaft have
been removed and the transmission is angled
down with a trolley jack.
Removal
1Relieve the fuel system pressure (see
Chapter 4).
2Disconnect the battery negative cable.
Caution: If the stereo in your vehicle is
equipped with an anti-theft system, make
sure you have the correct activation code
before disconnecting the battery.
3Place protective covers on the wings and
cowl and remove the bonnet (see Chapter 11).
4Remove the battery and battery tray.
5Remove the air cleaner assembly (see
Chapter 4).
6Raise the vehicle and support it securely on
axle stands. Drain the cooling system and
engine oil and remove the drivebelts (see
Chapter 1).
7Clearly label, then disconnect all vacuum
lines, coolant and emissions hoses, wiring
harness connectors and earth straps.
Masking tape and/or a touch up paint
applicator work well for marking items (see
illustration). Take instant photos or sketch
the locations of components and brackets.
8Remove the cooling fan(s) and radiator (see
Chapter 3).
9Disconnect the heater hoses.
10Release the residual fuel pressure in the
tank by removing the petrol cap, then detach
the fuel lines connecting the engine to the
chassis (see Chapter 4). Plug or cap all open
fittings.
2B•4 Engine removal and overhaul procedures
4.6 A compression gauge with a threaded
fitting for the spark plug hole is preferred
over the type that requires hand pressure
to maintain the seal - be sure to block
open the throttle valve as far as possible
during the compression check!
6.7 Label both ends of each wire and hose
before disconnecting it
3261 Jaguar XJ6

11Disconnect the throttle linkage,
transmission linkage (and dipstick tube) and
speed control cable, if equipped, from the
engine (see Chapters 4 and 7).
12Refer to Part A of this Chapter and
remove the intake and exhaust manifolds.
13Unbolt the power steering pump (see
Chapter 10). Tie the pump aside without
disconnecting the hoses. Refer to Part A for
removal of the hydraulic pump (if equipped)
from the timing chain cover.
14On air-conditioned models, unbolt the
compressor and set it aside. Do not
disconnect the refrigerant hoses. Note:Wire
the compressor out of the way with a coat
hanger, don’t let the compressor hang on the
hoses.
15Refer to Part A of this Chapter and
remove the drivebelts, water pump pulley and
crankshaft pulley.
16Attach a lifting sling to the engine.
Position a hoist and connect the sling to it.
Take up the slack until there is slight tension
on the hoist.
17With a trolley jack and piece of wood
supporting the bottom of the transmission
sump, refer to Chapter 8 and remove the
driveshaft and rear transmission mount.
Warning: Do not place any part
of your body under the
engine/transmission when it’s
supported only by a hoist or
other lifting device.
18With the hoist taking the weight of the
engine, unbolt the engine mounts (see Part A
of this Chapter).
19Recheck to be sure nothing is still
connecting the engine or transmission to the
vehicle. Disconnect and label anything still
remaining.
20Slowly lift the engine/transmission out of
the vehicle (see illustration). It may be
necessary to pry the mounts away from the
frame brackets.21Move the engine away from the vehicle
and carefully lower the hoist until the
engine/transmission can be set on the floor.
Refer to Chapter 7 and remove the
transmission and converter. Refer to Part A of
this Chapter for removal of the flywheel. With
the flywheel removed, remove the four large
bolts and the transmission adapter plate from
the engine (see illustration).
22Refer to Part A of this Chapter for removal
of the rear main seal retainer plate from the
back of the engine, then lift the engine to a
position where it can be attached to a sturdy
engine stand.
Refitting
23Check the engine/transmission mounts. If
they’re worn or damaged, renew them.
24Attach the hoist and remove the engine
from the stand. Refer to Part A of this Chapter
and renew the rear main seal and retainer
plate, then reattach the transmission adapter
plate and refer to Chapter 7 for mounting the
converter and transmission.
25Carefully lower the engine into the vehicle
with the hoist. An assistant is helpful to guide
the engine clear of accessories in the engine
compartment as the engine is lowered into
place.
26Refit the engine mount bolts and tighten
them securely. Raise the back of the
transmission with the trolley jack and reattach
the transmission mount, driveshaft and shift
linkage.
27Refit the remaining components and
fasteners in the reverse order of removal.
28Add coolant, oil, power steering and
transmission fluids as needed (see Chapter 1).
29Run the engine and check for proper
operation and leaks. Shut off the engine and
recheck the fluid levels.
7 Engine rebuilding
alternatives
The do-it-yourselfer is faced with a number
of options when performing an engine
overhaul. The decision to renew the engine
block, piston/connecting rod assemblies and
crankshaft depends on a number of factors,
with the number one consideration being the
condition of the engine block. Other
considerations are cost, access to machine
workshop facilities, parts availability, time
required to complete the project and the
extent of prior mechanical experience on the
part of the do-it-yourselfer.
Some of the rebuilding alternatives include:
Individual parts- If the inspection
procedures reveal that the engine block and
most engine components are in reusable
condition, purchasing individual parts may be
the most economical alternative. The engine
block, cylinder head, crankshaft, and
piston/connecting rod assemblies should all
be inspected carefully. Even if the engine
block shows little wear, the cylinder bores
should be surface honed.
Short block- A short block consists of an
engine block with a crankshaft and
piston/connecting rod assemblies already
installed. All new bearings are incorporated
and all clearances will be correct. The existing
camshafts, valve train components, cylinder
head and external parts can be bolted to the
short block with little or no machine workshop
work necessary.
Long block- A long block consists of a
short block plus an oil pump, sump, cylinder
head, valve cover, camshaft and valve train
components, timing sprockets and chain or
gears and timing cover. All components are
installed with new bearings, seals and gaskets
Engine removal and overhaul procedures 2B•5
2B
3261 Jaguar XJ6 6.20 Lift the engine high enough to clear the vehicle, tilting it up
at the front to clear the front crossmember, then move it away
and lower the hoist
6.21 With the engine on the floor but still supported by the hoist,
remove the four large bolts (arrowed) and pull off the
transmission adapter plate

15Check the valve stem-to-guide clearance
with a small hole gauge and micrometer, or a
small dial bore gauge (see illustration). Also,
check the valve stem deflection with a dial
indicator attached securely to the cylinder
head. The valve must be in the guide and
approximately 1/16-inch off the seat. The total
valve stem movement indicated by the gauge
needle must be noted, then divided by two to
obtain the actual clearance value. If it exceeds
the stem-to-guide clearance limit found in this
Chapter’s Specifications, the valve guides
should be renewed. After this is done, if
there’s still some doubt regarding the
condition of the valve guides they should be
checked by an automotive machine workshop
(the cost should be minimal).
Valves
16Carefully inspect each valve face for
uneven wear, deformation, cracks, pits and
burned areas. Check the valve stem for
scuffing and galling and the neck for cracks.
Rotate the valve and check for any obvious
indication that it’s bent. Look for pits and
excessive wear on the end of the stem. The
presence of any of these conditions indicates
the need for valve service by an automotive
machine workshop.
17Measure the margin width on each valve
(see illustration). Any valve with a margin
narrower than 1/32-inch will have to be
replaced with a new valve.
Valve components
18Check each valve spring for wear (on the
ends) and pits. Measure the free length and
compare it to this Chapter’s Specifications
(see illustration). Any springs that are shorter
than specified have sagged and should not be
re-used. The tension of all springs should be
pressure checked with a special fixture before
deciding that they’re suitable for use in a
rebuilt engine (take the springs to an
automotive machine workshop for this check).
Note:If any valve springs are found broken on
1988 or 1989 engines, all springs should be
replaced with the improved springs used in
1990 (after VIN 9EPCLA120245) and later
engines. They are identified with a white
stripe. If your engine has springs with white-
stripes, they have already been replaced, and
only broken ones need be replaced.
19Stand each spring on a flat surface and
check it for squareness (see illustration). If
any of the springs are distorted or sagged,
renew all of the springs.
20Check the spring retainers and keepers
for obvious wear and cracks. Any
questionable parts should be renewed, as
extensive damage will occur if they fail during
engine operation.
21If the inspection process indicates that the
valve components are in generally poor
condition and worn beyond the limits specified,
which is usually the case in an engine that’s
being overhauled, reassemble the valves in the
cylinder head and refer to Section 11 for valve
servicing recommendations.
11 Valves- servicing
5
1Because of the complex nature of the job
and the special tools and equipment needed,
servicing of the valves, the valve seats and the
valve guides, commonly known as a valve job,
should be done by a professional.
2The home mechanic can remove and
dismantle the cylinder head(s), do the initial
cleaning and inspection, then reassemble and
deliver them to a dealer service department or
an automotive machine workshop for the
actual service work. Doing the inspection will
enable you to see what condition the cylinder
head(s) and valvetrain components are in and
will ensure that you know what work and new
parts are required when dealing with an
automotive machine workshop.
3The dealer service department, or
automotive machine workshop, will remove
the valves and springs, will recondition or
renew the valves and valve seats, recondition
the valve guides, check and renew the valve
springs, spring retainers and keepers (as
necessary), replace the valve seals with new
ones, reassemble the valve components and
make sure the installed spring height is
correct. The cylinder head gasket surface will
also be resurfaced if it’s warped.
4After the valve job has been performed by a
professional, the cylinder head(s) will be in like
new condition. When the cylinder heads are
returned, be sure to clean them again before
refitting on the engine to remove any metal
particles and abrasive grit that may still be
present from the valve service or cylinder
head resurfacing operations. Use compressed
air, if available, to blow out all the oil holes and
passages.
12 Cylinder head- reassembly
2
1Regardless of whether or not the cylinder
head was sent to an automotive machine
workshop for valve servicing, make sure it’s
clean before beginning reassembly. Renew
the cylinder head rear plate gasket any time
that the engine is overhauled or the cylinder
head is reconditioned (see Part A of this
Chapter for renewal procedure).
2If the cylinder head was sent out for valve
servicing, the valves and related components
will already be in place. Begin the reassembly
procedure with paragraph 8.
3Refit new seals on each of the valve guides.
Gently push each valve seal into place until
it’s seated on the guide.
Caution: Don’t hammer on the valve seals
once they’re seated or you may damage
them. Don’t twist or cock the seals during
refitting or they won’t seat properly on the
valve stems.
2B•8 Engine removal and overhaul procedures
10.15 Use a small dial bore gauge to
determine the inside diameter of the valve
guides - subtract the valve stem diameter
to determine the stem-to-guide clearance10.17 The margin width on each valve
must be as specified (if no margin exists,
the valve cannot be re-used)
10.18 Measure the free length of each
valve spring with a dial or vernier caliper10.19 Check each valve spring for
squareness
3261 Jaguar XJ6

2Using a gasket scraper, remove all traces of
gasket material from the engine block. Be very
careful not to nick or gouge the gasket sealing
surfaces.
3Remove the main bearing caps and
separate the bearing inserts from the caps
and the engine block. Tag the bearings,
indicating which cylinder they were removed
from and whether they were in the cap or the
engine block, then set them aside.
4Remove all of the threaded oil gallery plugs
from the engine block. The plugs are usually
very tight - they may have to be drilled out and
the holes retapped. Use new plugs when the
engine is reassembled.
5If the engine is extremely dirty, it should be
taken to an automotive machine workshop to
be steam cleaned or hot tanked.
6After the engine block is returned, clean all
oil holes and oil galleries one more time.
Brushes specifically designed for this purpose
are available at most car accessory outlets.
Flush the passages with warm water until the
water runs clear, dry the engine block
thoroughly and wipe all machined surfaces
with a light, rust preventive oil. If you have
access to compressed air, use it to speed the
drying process and to blow out all the oil
holes and galleries. Warning: Wear eye protection
when using compressed air!
7If the engine block isn’t extremely dirty or
sludged up, you can do an adequate cleaning
job with hot soapy water and a stiff brush.
Take plenty of time and do a thorough job.
Regardless of the cleaning method used, be
sure to clean all oil holes and galleries very
thoroughly, dry the engine block completely
and coat all machined surfaces with light oil.
8The threaded holes in the engine block
must be clean to ensure accurate torque
readings during reassembly. Run the proper
size tap into each of the holes to remove rust,
corrosion, thread sealant or sludge and
restore damaged threads (see illustration). If
possible, use compressed air to clear the
holes of debris produced by this operation.
9Refit the main bearing caps and tighten the
bolts finger tight.
10After coating the sealing surfaces of the
new core plugs with suitable sealant, refit
them in the engine block (see illustration).
Make sure they’re driven in straight and
seated properly or leakage could result.
Special tools are available for this purpose,
but a large socket, with an outside diameter
that will just slip into the core plug, a 1/2-inchdrive extension and a hammer will work just
as well.
11Apply non-hardening sealant (such as
Permatex no. 2 or Teflon pipe sealant) to the
new oil gallery plugs and thread them into the
holes in the engine block. Make sure they’re
tightened securely.
12If the engine isn’t going to be
reassembled right away, cover it with a large
plastic trash bag to keep it clean.
16 Engine block- inspection
2
1Before the engine block is inspected, it
should be cleaned as described in Section 15.
2Visually check the engine block for cracks,
rust and corrosion (see illustration 10.12).
Look for stripped threads in the threaded
holes. It’s also a good idea to have the engine
block checked for hidden cracks by an
automotive machine workshop that has the
special equipment to do this type of work,
especially if the vehicle had a history of
overheating or using coolant. If defects are
found, have the engine block repaired, if
possible, or renewed. If the top of the engine
block has been eroded by coolant leakage
and the erosion is near the cylinder bores, the
engine block must be renewed.
3Check the cylinder bores for scuffing and
scoring.
4Check the cylinders for taper and out-of-
round conditions as follows (see illustrations):
5Measure the diameter of each cylinder at
the top (just under the ridge area), centre and
bottom of the cylinder bore, parallel to the
crankshaft axis.
6Next, measure each cylinder’s diameter at
the same three locations perpendicular to the
crankshaft axis.
7The taper of each cylinder is the difference
between the bore diameter at the top of the
cylinder and the diameter at the bottom. The
out-of-round specification of the cylinder bore
Engine removal and overhaul procedures 2B•11
2B
16.4a Measure the diameter of each
cylinder at 90° to engine centreline (A), and
parallel to engine centreline (B) - out-of-
round is the difference between A and B;
taper is the difference between A and B at
the top of the cylinder and A and B at the
bottom of the cylinder16.4b The ability to “feel” when the
telescoping gauge is at the correct point
will be developed over time, so work
slowly and repeat the check until you’re
satisfied that the bore measurement is
accurate
3261 Jaguar XJ6
15.8 All bolt holes in the engine block -
particularly the main bearing cap and
cylinder head bolt holes - should be
cleaned and restored with a tap (remove
debris from holes after this is done)15.10 A large socket on an extension can
be used to drive the new core plugs into
the bores
16.4c The gauge is then measured with a
micrometer to determine the bore size

is the difference between the parallel and
perpendicular readings. Compare your results
to this Chapter’s Specifications.
8If the cylinder walls are badly scuffed or
scored, or if they’re out-of-round or tapered
beyond the limits given in this Chapter’s
Specifications, have the engine block rebored
and honed at an automotive machine
workshop. If a rebore is done, oversize
pistons and rings will be required.
9Using a precision straightedge and feeler
gauge, check the engine block deck (the
surface that mates with the cylinder head) for
distortion (see illustration 10.13). If it’s
distorted beyond the specified limit, it can be
resurfaced by an automotive machine
workshop.
10If the cylinders are in reasonably good
condition and not worn to the outside of the
limits, and if the piston-to-cylinder clearances
can be maintained properly, then they don’t
have to be rebored. Honing is all that’s
necessary (refer to Section 17).
17 Cylinder honing
3
1Prior to engine reassembly, the cylinder
bores must be honed so the new piston rings
will seat correctly and provide the best
possible combustion chamber seal. Note:If
you don’t have the tools or don’t want to
tackle the honing operation, most automotive
machine shops will do it for a reasonable fee.
2Before honing the cylinders, refit the main
bearing caps (without bearing inserts) and
tighten the bolts to the specified torque.
3Two types of cylinder hones are commonly
available - the flex hone or “bottle brush” type
and the more traditional surfacing hone with
spring-loaded stones. Both will do the job, but
for the less-experienced mechanic the “bottle
brush” hone will probably be easier to use.
You’ll also need some paraffin or honing oil,
rags and a variable-speed electric drill motor.
The drill motor should be operated at a
steady, slow speed. Proceed as follows:
a) Mount the hone in the drill motor,
compress the stones and slip it into the
first cylinder (see illustration).
Warning: Be sure to wear safety
goggles or a face shield!
b) Lubricate the cylinder with plenty of
honing oil, turn on the drill and move the
hone up-and-down in the cylinder at a
pace that will produce a fine crosshatch
pattern on the cylinder walls. Ideally, the
crosshatch lines should intersect at
approximately a 60° angle (see
illustration). Be sure to use plenty of
lubricant and don’t take off any more
material than is absolutely necessary to
produce the desired finish. Note:Piston
ring manufacturers may specify a smallercrosshatch angle than the traditional 60° -
read and follow any instructions included
with the new rings.
c) Don’t withdraw the hone from the cylinder
while it’s running. Instead, shut off the drill
and continue moving the hone up-and-
down in the cylinder until it comes to a
complete stop, then compress the stones
and withdraw the hone. If you’re using a
“bottle brush” type hone, stop the drill
motor, then turn the chuck in the normal
direction of rotation while withdrawing the
hone from the cylinder.
d) Wipe the oil out of the cylinder and repeat
the procedure for the remaining cylinders.
4After the honing job is complete, chamfer
the top edges of the cylinder bores with a
small file so the rings won’t catch when the
pistons are installed. Be very careful not to
nick the cylinder walls with the end of the file.
5The entire engine block must be washed
again very thoroughly with warm, soapy water
to remove all traces of the abrasive grit
produced during the honing operation. Note:
The bores can be considered clean when a
lint-free white cloth - dampened with clean
engine oil - used to wipe them out doesn’t
pick up any more honing residue, which will
show up as grey areas on the cloth. Be sure to
run a brush through all oil holes and galleries
and flush them with running water.
6After rinsing, dry the engine block and
apply a coat of light rust preventive oil to all
machined surfaces. Wrap the engine block in
a plastic bag to keep it clean and set it aside
until reassembly.
18 Pistons/connecting rods-
inspection
2
1Before the inspection process can be
carried out, the piston/connecting rod
assemblies must be cleaned and the original
piston rings removed from the pistons. Note:
Always use new piston rings when the engine
is reassembled.
2Using a piston ring refitting tool, carefully
remove the rings from the pistons. Be careful
not to nick or gouge the pistons in the
process.
3Scrape all traces of carbon from the top of
the piston. A hand-held wire brush or a piece
of fine emery cloth can be used once the
majority of the deposits have been scraped
away. Do not, under any circumstances, use a
wire brush mounted in a drill motor to remove
deposits from the pistons. The piston material
is soft and may be eroded away by the wire
brush.
4Use a piston ring groove-cleaning tool to
remove carbon deposits from the ring
grooves. If a tool isn’t available, a piece
broken off the old ring will do the job. Be very
careful to remove only the carbon deposits -
don’t remove any metal and do not nick or
scratch the sides of the ring grooves (see
illustrations).
5Once the deposits have been removed,
clean the piston/connecting rod assemblies
with solvent and dry them with compressed
air (if available). Make sure the oil return holes
2B•12 Engine removal and overhaul procedures
17.3a A “bottle brush” hone will produce
better results if you have never done
cylinder honing before17.3b The cylinder hone should leave a
smooth, crosshatch pattern with the lines
intersecting at approximately a 60° angle
18.4a The piston ring grooves can be
cleaned with a special tool, as shown . . .18.4b . . . or a section of a broken ring
3261 Jaguar XJ6