Positioning:
These Jaguar models were positioned as luxury grand tourers, offering significant performance and refinement for their era. This manual serves owners and mechanics of these classic vehicles.
Competitors:
Competed with other luxury saloons and coupes of the era, such as Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce models, though often at a more accessible price point.
Manual Benefits:
Provides essential information for maintaining and repairing these increasingly valuable classic cars, preventing incorrect work and ensuring longevity. Offers parts identification for sourcing components.
Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to understand their vehicle's systems, perform routine maintenance, and identify issues before they become major problems, thereby saving money and preserving the vehicle's originality and value.
Engine:
Engine mechanicals, cooling system, lubrication, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine tuning.
Transmission:
Manual gearbox (Moss), Automatic gearbox (e.g., Borg-Warner DG250) overhaul and repair, clutch operation.
Drivetrain:
Propeller shaft, universal joints, final drive unit (differential), rear axle.
Suspension:
Front suspension (e.g., wishbone, coil springs, telescopic dampers), rear suspension (e.g., semi-trailing arms, coil springs, telescopic dampers), self-leveling suspension (if applicable to specific S-Type or later Mark 10 variants).
Steering:
Steering box overhaul, steering column, power steering system (e.g., Marles steering box, Burman-Epicyclic), steering linkages.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, front disc brakes (Dunlop or Girling), rear drum brakes, handbrake mechanism, brake fluid specifications.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, starting and charging system (dynamo/alternator), ignition system components, instruments, switches, horns, wipers, heater blower.
Bodywork:
Body shell, doors, windows, seats, trim, bumpers, grilles, hoods (bonnets), trunk (boot).
Heating Cooling:
Heater matrix, blower motor, ducting, demisting system.
Maintenance:
Routine servicing, oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug checks, lubrication points, cooling system flush, brake fluid change.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common engine, electrical, and mechanical faults. Symptom-based fault finding.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components. Engine rebuild procedures, gearbox overhauls, brake caliper rebuilding.
Overhaul:
Complete overhaul procedures for engine, transmission, steering, and braking systems.
Adjustment:
Carburetor tuning, ignition timing adjustment, valve clearance adjustment, brake adjustment, clutch adjustment.
Installation:
Component installation and removal procedures for major parts.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic information.
Engine Family Mark 10:
Jaguar XK engine (based on XK120, XK140, XK150 lineage)
Engine Displacement Mark 10:
3.8 Litre (3781 cc) and 4.2 Litre (4235 cc)
Engine Type Mark 10:
Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft)
Engine Configuration S Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC
Engine Displacement S Type:
3.4 Litre (3442 cc) and 3.8 Litre (3781 cc)
Horsepower Mark 10 3.8:
Approximately 220 bhp at 5500 rpm (nett)
Horsepower Mark 10 4.2:
Approximately 245 bhp at 5500 rpm (nett)
Horsepower S Type 3.4:
Approximately 210 bhp at 5500 rpm (nett)
Horsepower S Type 3.8:
Approximately 220 bhp at 5500 rpm (nett)
Torque Mark 10 4.2:
Approximately 283 lb-ft at 4000 rpm
Carburetion:
Typically twin SU carburetors (e.g., HD6 or HD8), or triple SU carburetors on higher-performance variants.
Fuel Type:
Leaded gasoline (e.g., 98 RON / 94 AKI equivalent)
Fuel Pump:
Mechanical fuel pump, often Lucas.
Wheelbase:
Mark 10: 104 inches (2642 mm); S-Type: 107 inches (2718 mm)
Length:
Mark 10: Approximately 199 inches (5055 mm); S-Type: Approximately 189 inches (4801 mm)
Width:
Mark 10: Approximately 72 inches (1829 mm); S-Type: Approximately 68 inches (1727 mm)
Height:
Mark 10: Approximately 53 inches (1346 mm); S-Type: Approximately 54 inches (1372 mm)
Curb Weight:
Mark 10: ~3900-4200 lbs (1769-1905 kg); S-Type: ~3500-3800 lbs (1588-1724 kg)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
Typically 5 x 4.5 inches (114.3 mm)
Tire Size Examples:
Common sizes included 6.40 x 15, 6.70 x 15, or 185-15 radial tires.
Safety Standards:
Vehicles of this era were subject to less stringent safety regulations compared to modern vehicles. Focus was on structural integrity and basic passive safety.
Brakes:
Four-wheel Dunlop disc brakes (standard on Mark 10, optional/standard on later S-Type models) with independent braking circuits for front and rear. Power-assisted braking was common.
Steering:
Power-assisted steering available on most models to improve maneuverability and reduce driver effort.
Seatbelts:
Front seat belts were often optional or standard depending on the specific year and market. Rear seat belts were less common.
Body Construction:
Robust unitary body construction with integrated frame elements provided a strong passenger safety cell.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 miles (4,800 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Tune Up Interval:
Spark plugs, ignition points, and carburetor adjustments recommended every 6,000-10,000 miles (9,600-16,000 km).
Lubrication:
Regular greasing of suspension points, universal joints, and steering linkages as per lubrication chart, often at 1,000-3,000 mile intervals.
Engine Oil:
API SG/SH or equivalent, SAE 20W/50 or 10W/30 depending on climate. Historically, straight-weight oils like SAE 30 or 20W/50 were used. Check manual for specific viscosity recommendations based on temperature.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio). Use of traditional coolants without modern inhibitors may require additive supplements for older engines.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid (glycol-based). Regular flushing and replacement recommended due to hygroscopic nature.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Typically Dexron II or equivalent for Borg-Warner automatic transmissions.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
EP90 hypoid gear oil for Moss gearbox.
Differential Fluid:
EP90 hypoid gear oil for the rear axle differential.
Engine:
Core plug corrosion, oil leaks from crankshaft seals and rocker cover gaskets, potential for overheating if cooling system is not maintained. Carburetor tuning can be sensitive.
Transmission:
Wear in Moss gearboxes, particularly synchromesh rings. Leaks from automatic transmission seals.
Suspension:
Wear in bushings, kingpins, and ball joints. Potential for leaks in self-leveling suspension systems (if fitted).
Electrical:
Aging wiring looms, faulty Lucas components (e.g., starter motors, dynamo/alternator), Lucas electrics known for occasional unreliability. Gauge sender unit failures.
Bodywork:
Rust, particularly in sills, wheel arches, floor pans, and around windows. Chrome trim pitting and degradation.
Parts Situation:
Specialist suppliers offer a range of new and reconditioned parts. Original parts can be scarce and expensive.
Jaguar Legacy:
Jaguar Cars was renowned for its performance sedans and sports cars, often blending performance with luxury and elegant styling, building on Sir William Lyons' vision.
Mark 10 Evolution:
Introduced in 1961 as Jaguar's flagship saloon, replacing the Mk IX. Initially powered by the 3.8-liter XK engine, it was later updated with the more powerful 4.2-liter engine and a revised cabin. The name was changed from Mark X to Mark 10 in 1966.
S Type Evolution:
Launched in 1963, the S-Type was designed to be a more compact and agile luxury saloon than the Mark 10, sharing some styling cues and mechanical components with the Mark 2. It featured independent rear suspension, differentiating it from the Mark 2.
Production Period:
Mark 10: 1961-1970; S-Type: 1963-1968
Manufacturing Location:
Coventry, England
Historical Acclaim:
These models were lauded for their performance, comfort, and luxurious interiors, establishing Jaguar's reputation in the luxury car market. The Mark 10, in particular, was one of the fastest production saloons of its era.
Critical Reception:
Widely praised by automotive journalists for their road holding, braking, and powerful engines, despite some criticisms regarding early build quality or electrical systems.
