🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jaguar

Model:

XK Series (XK120, XK140, XK150)

Model Years Covered:

1948-1961

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Owners, enthusiasts, mechanics, and restoration specialists of Jaguar XK Series vehicles from 1948-1961.

Value Proposition:

Provides essential technical data and procedures critical for the maintenance, repair, and restoration of highly collectible classic Jaguars, offering significant cost savings compared to professional dealership services.

Accessibility:

Instant download availability allows immediate access for on-the-spot diagnostics and repairs, a distinct advantage over physical manuals for remote or urgent situations.

Clarity:

Features easy-to-read text sections combined with high-quality diagrams and step-by-step instructions, catering to both novice and experienced mechanics.

Completeness:

Represents the most complete service and repair information available for the XK series models, covering all aspects of the vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems.

📋 Manual Details

Engine:

Yes

Transmission:

Yes

Suspension:

Yes

Brakes:

Yes

Electrical System:

Yes

Bodywork:

Yes

Chassis:

Yes

Interior:

Yes

Fuel System:

Yes

Cooling System:

Yes

Exhaust System:

Yes

Steering:

Yes

Troubleshooting:

Yes

Estimated Page Count:

Varies by specific publication, often substantial for comprehensive workshop manuals (typically 500+ pages for the entire series).

Type:

Service Repair Workshop and Parts Manuals

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Digital Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed coverage of XK inline-six engines, including disassembly, inspection, rebuilding, and tuning of cylinder head, block, crankshaft, camshafts, pistons, connecting rods, and valve train.

Ignition System:

Covers distributors, coils, spark plugs, wiring, timing, and troubleshooting for optimal ignition performance.

Carburetion:

In-depth procedures for Zenith-Stromberg and SU carburetors, including tuning, rebuilding, and jetting for various engine configurations.

Lubrication System:

Details on oil pump, oil filter housing, oil galleries, and oil pressure regulation.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan, and coolant flow diagrams, including maintenance and repair.

Fuel Delivery:

Fuel pump operation, fuel lines, fuel tank, and associated components.

Transmission Manual:

Service and repair procedures for Moss (pre-selector) and later Jaguar four-speed transmissions, including clutch operation and rebuilds.

Driveshaft And Rear Axle:

U-joints, propeller shaft, differential servicing, axle shaft removal, and bearing adjustments.

Front Suspension:

Wishbones, kingpins, bushes, shock absorbers, and steering linkage overhaul.

Rear Suspension:

Live axle location, semi-elliptic leaf springs, and shock absorber servicing.

Braking System:

Girling disc brake system (front and rear), hydraulic lines, master cylinders, calipers, brake pads, and wheel cylinders for drum brakes (early models or rear).

Steering System:

Steering box overhaul, tie rod ends, drag links, and column components.

Electrical System Lighting:

Headlamps, taillamps, indicators, interior lighting, and bulb specifications.

Electrical System Instruments:

Dashboard gauges (speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, water temperature, ammeter), wiring harness diagrams, and connector pinouts.

Body Construction:

Steel chassis frame, aluminum body panels, door mechanisms, window regulators, and convertible top assembly.

Interior Trim:

Seat upholstery, dashboard coverings, carpeting, and trim panel fitting.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, ignition timing checks, carburetor adjustments, and fluid level checks.

Troubleshooting Guide:

Diagnostic charts for common problems, symptoms, and recommended solutions for engine, electrical, and mechanical issues.

Engine Rebuild:

Comprehensive step-by-step instructions for full engine disassembly, cleaning, inspection, measurement, part replacement, and reassembly.

Transmission Overhaul:

Detailed guidance on disassembling, inspecting, and rebuilding both Moss pre-selector and conventional gearboxes.

Brake System Repair:

Instructions for replacing brake pads/shoes, servicing calipers/wheel cylinders, bleeding the system, and replacing hydraulic lines.

Suspension Component Replacement:

Procedures for replacing kingpins, ball joints, tie rod ends, bushings, and shock absorbers.

Electrical Wiring Repairs:

Guidance on tracing and repairing faults in the electrical system, including connector maintenance and harness repairs.

Body Panel Alignment And Repair:

Information on adjusting doors, bonnets, and boot lids, as well as basic bodywork repair techniques.

Depth:

Comprehensive (covers complete rebuilds and advanced diagnostics, not just basic maintenance).

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF for efficient information retrieval.

Image Quality:

High-quality diagrams and illustrations as recommended by the product description.

Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

DOHC Inline-Six (XK Engine)

Displacement Xk120:

3.4 Liters (3442 cc)

Displacement Xk140:

3.4 Liters (3442 cc)

Displacement Xk150:

3.4 Liters (3442 cc) and 3.8 Liters (3781 cc)

Horsepower Xk120:

Approx. 160-180 bhp (depending on tuning and variant)

Horsepower Xk140:

Approx. 190-210 bhp (for 'SE' and MC variants)

Horsepower Xk150:

Approx. 210 bhp (3.4L) to 250 bhp (3.8L 'S' model)

Torque:

Engine torque figures vary by specific model and tune but are substantial for their era, providing strong acceleration.

Carburetors:

Typically twin SU carburetors (e.g., H6 or HD6) or Zenith-Stromberg carburetors depending on the model and market. Later XK150S models featured triple carburetors.

Fuel Type:

Leaded gasoline (historically), modern unleaded with appropriate octane rating or additives is recommended.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Moss 4-speed manual transmission with Laycock overdrive (optional on some models) for XK120 and XK140. Later XK150 models used a similar Moss box or a Jaguar synchromesh 4-speed.

Automatic Transmission:

Optional Borg-Warner automatic transmission was available on some XK140 and XK150 models.

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate clutch.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

Open Two-Seater (OTS), Fixed Head Coupe (FHC), Drop Head Coupe (DHC).

Wheelbase:

XK120: 102 inches (2591 mm); XK140: 104 inches (2642 mm); XK150: 104 inches (2642 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3000-3300 lbs (1360-1500 kg), depending on body style and specific equipment.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Features Era:

Safety features were rudimentary by modern standards. Key safety elements included effective hydraulic disc brakes (introduced on XK120 and standard on later models) and robust chassis construction.

Brakes:

Girling hydraulic disc brakes (front on XK120, front and rear on XK140 and XK150) provided significant stopping power for the era.

Chassis Structure:

Robust body-on-frame construction offered a degree of occupant protection.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic AM radio (optional, often dealer-installed) was the extent of infotainment. Modern systems may be retrofitted.

Driver Assistance Features:

None by modern definition. Focus was on the driving experience and mechanical engagement.

Connectivity Features:

None.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 miles or 6 months, with oil filter change at the same interval. Specific recommendations may vary based on usage and oil type.

Grease Points:

Regular lubrication of chassis grease points (kingpins, steering joints, suspension pivots, U-joints) is critical, often recommended every 1,000-2,000 miles.

Engine Oil:

Historically, SAE 20W-50 or 20W-50 multigrade oil. For modern use, a high-quality classic car oil with adequate zinc (ZDDP) content is recommended (e.g., Valvoline VR1, Brad Penn, Castrol Classic).

Transmission Oil:

Moss gearbox: GL-4 SAE 90 gear oil. Later transmissions and automatics will have specific requirements detailed in the manual.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 glycol-based brake fluid. Users should verify compatibility with seals, especially if the system has been rebuilt with modern components.

Engine Oil Leaks:

Common due to aging seals and gaskets. Emphasis on proper torque and gasket material is crucial during rebuilds.

Kingpin Wear:

Front suspension kingpin wear can lead to imprecise steering and handling. Regular lubrication and eventual replacement of worn components are necessary.

Overdrive Reliability:

Laycock de Normanville overdrive units can be sensitive and require proper operation and maintenance to avoid issues.

Body Corrosion:

While much of the body is aluminum, the underlying steel chassis and some steel body panels are susceptible to rust, especially in areas exposed to moisture.

📚 Vehicle History

Legacy:

Jaguar's reputation for performance, luxury, and elegant design is firmly established with the XK series, which showcased advanced engineering for its time.

Xk120:

Launched in 1948, initially as a demonstration car, its stunning design and performance (capable of exceeding 120 mph) made it an instant icon.

Xk140:

Introduced in 1954, it featured improved suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, optional disc brakes (standard on later cars), and a slightly longer wheelbase for better comfort.

Xk150:

Launched in 1957, it presented a more modern interpretation with smoother body lines, standard disc brakes on all four wheels, and the availability of the larger 3.8-liter engine and the XK150 'S' performance variant.

Production Period:

1948-1961

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Icon:

The Jaguar XK series is widely recognized as an automotive icon and a landmark in sports car design and performance for its era.

Motorsport Success:

The underlying XK engine and chassis formed the basis for Jaguar's highly successful C-Type and D-Type racing cars, which achieved multiple Le Mans victories.