Vehicle Class:
Compact Executive Car
Era:
Mid-late 1950s to late 1960s styling and engineering
Key Competitors:
Examples include Rover P5, Rover P4, Austin Westminster, Wolseley 6/99, Daimler 2.5 V8, and some American offerings of the era.
Design Philosophy:
Emphasis on performance, luxury, and elegant styling, a hallmark of Jaguar.
Distinguishing Elements:
Striking 'face' with quad headlights, flowing lines, powerful inline-six engines, and sophisticated suspension for its time.
Target Audience:
Discerning drivers appreciating performance, comfort, and classic automotive design, including both enthusiasts and professional mechanics.
Engine Service:
Detailed procedures for removal, installation, disassembly, assembly, adjustment, and troubleshooting of Jaguar XK engines (e.g., XK3.4, XK3.8)
Transmission Service:
Coverage for manual transmissions (e.g., Moss gearbox) and potential automatic transmission options, including overhaul and adjustments.
Suspension And Steering:
Comprehensive information on front and rear suspension systems, steering rack, linkages, and alignment procedures.
Braking System:
Detailed service instructions for hydraulic disc brakes (often Girling), including caliper overhaul, fluid changes, and bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, troubleshooting for lighting, ignition, charging systems, and accessories.
Fuel System:
Maintenance and repair of carburettors (e.g., SU), fuel pumps, lines, and associated components.
Cooling System:
Service procedures for radiators, water pumps, thermostats, and hoses.
Bodywork And Chassis:
Information on body panel removal/installation, structural repairs, door mechanisms, and interior trim.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, lubrication points, fluid checks, filter replacements.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon faults.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for disassembling, repairing, and reassembling all major vehicle components.
Adjustment:
Precise instructions for adjusting various systems, including carburettors, ignition timing, brakes, and clutch.
Installation And Removal:
Guidance on safely removing and installing major components and sub-assemblies.
Special Tool Usage:
Identification and instructions for using specific Jaguar service tools required for certain operations.
Diagnostic Level:
Advanced diagnostics, including component testing, circuit analysis, and troubleshooting charts.
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed instructions for complete engine, transmission, and major component rebuilds.
Pictorial Diagrams:
Extensive use of step-by-step explanations with pictorial diagrams, exploded views, drawings, and photos.
Engine Family:
Jaguar XK Inline-Six
Displacements:
Available in 2.4L (2483cc), 3.4L (3442cc), and 3.8L (3781cc) variants.
Bore X Stroke 3.8L:
83 mm x 114.3 mm (approx.)
Compression Ratio 3.8L:
Typically 8.0:1 or higher, depending on specific tune.
Horsepower 3.8L Spec:
Approximately 220-230 bhp (gross) for the standard 3.8L engine. Higher output available in 'S' or 'R' type variants.
Torque 3.8L Spec:
Approximately 240-260 lb-ft (gross) for the 3.8L engine.
Carburetion:
Typically twin SU HD6 or H6 carburetors.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (originally leaded, but manual will cover original specs). Octane rating requirements would be provided.
Valve Train:
Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) for each bank of cylinders.
Ignition System:
Distributor, coil, and spark plugs.
Type Standard:
4-speed Manual Transmission (often referred to as the 'Moss' gearbox, a pre-selector type or traditional crash box initially).
Gear Ratios Manual:
Specific ratios would be detailed in the manual, typically with overdrive options.
Type Optional:
Optional Borg-Warner DG automatic transmission available on some models.
Clutch:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated clutch.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Manual will specify API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, likely with a viscosity of 90W or 80W-90. Specific Jaguar part numbers may be listed.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF Type T-10 or equivalent for Borg-Warner DG.
Wheelbase:
107 inches (2718 mm)
Overall Length:
181.5 inches (4610 mm)
Overall Width:
67.5 inches (1715 mm)
Overall Height:
55 inches (1397 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3000-3400 lbs (1360-1542 kg), depending on engine and specification.
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Not explicitly stated, but typically around 4000 lbs (1814 kg).
Wheelbase Bolt Pattern:
5 x 4.5 inches (5 x 114.3 mm)
Tire Sizes:
Commonly 6.40 x 15, 6.70 x 15, or 185-15 radials.
Wheel Type:
15-inch steel wheels with hubcaps or optional wire wheels.
Crash Test Data:
No formal crash test ratings available for this era, as standardized testing was not prevalent.
Brakes:
Hydraulically operated Girling disc brakes on all four wheels. Handbrake operates on rear wheels.
Steering:
Recirculating ball steering box, optional power steering became available on later models.
Seat Belts:
Lap belts were often standard or optional, with three-point belts less common initially but added as options.
Body Structure:
Integrated body and chassis construction, offering good rigidity for its time.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 miles or 6 months, though the manual will provide exact Jaguar recommendations. Filter replacement with oil changes.
Grease Points:
Periodic lubrication of suspension and steering components required as per the manual.
Valve Clearance Adjustment:
Recommended at regular intervals (e.g., 10,000-12,000 miles) due to DOHC setup.
Engine Oil Capacity 3.8L:
Approximately 7.5 US quarts (7.1 Liters) with filter. Specific oil grades (e.g., SAE 20W-50 or SAE 30) will be detailed.
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 13 US pints (6.2 Liters). Coolant type will be specified.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic fluid, as specified by Jaguar.
Rear Road Springs:
Potential for sagging rear springs due to age and weight, requiring replacement or re-arching. Manual will detail inspection.
Carburetor Tuning:
SU carburetors require regular tuning and balancing for optimal performance and fuel economy. Manual provides detailed procedures.
Body Corrosion:
Prone to rust in common areas such as wheel arches, sills, and around windows. Manual provides repair guidance.
Overdrive Issues:
Issues with the Laycock de Normanville overdrive unit can occur, requiring specific diagnostic and repair steps detailed in the manual.
Brand Legacy:
Jaguar Cars is renowned for producing luxurious, high-performance sports cars and sedans with a strong racing heritage.
Predecessor:
Evolved from the Jaguar 2.4 Litre and 3.4 Litre saloons.
Successor:
The Mark 2 was succeeded by the Jaguar S-Type and Jaguar 420.
Production Period:
1959-1967
Manufacturing Location:
Coventry, England
Significant Variants:
Includes models with 2.4L, 3.4L, and the popular 3.8L engines, as well as 'S' versions with enhanced performance.
