Engine:
Detailed overhaul and repair procedures for Jaguar XK engines.
Clutch:
Service and repair of the clutch assembly.
Transmission:
Maintenance, repair, and overhaul of the gearbox and associated components.
Cooling Systems:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, and coolant flow diagnostics and repair.
Fuel System:
Carburetor tuning (e.g., SU HD6), fuel pump, fuel lines, and tank servicing.
Exhaust System:
Repair and replacement of exhaust manifolds, pipes, and mufflers.
Ignition System:
Distributor, coil, spark plugs, timing, and electrical ignition components.
Electrical System:
Starter, generator/alternator, lighting, instrumentation, and ancillary electrical components.
Brakes Assembly:
Detailed procedures for hydraulic brake system, brake drums, shoes, wheel cylinders, master cylinder, and associated linkages.
Wheels Tires:
Wheel bearing service, tire pressure recommendations, and wheel balancing.
Steering Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, steering box, linkages, and alignment procedures.
Frame Bodywork:
Chassis and body structural repair, panel replacement, door, hood, and trunk mechanisms.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for troubleshooting and repair.
Maintenance Servicing:
Routine checks, lubrication schedules, fluid changes, filter replacements.
Fault Finding Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and rectifying common and uncommon issues.
Engine Overhaul:
Complete engine rebuild procedures, including piston, ring, bearing, valve, and cylinder head service.
Transmission Rebuild:
Detailed steps for disassembling, inspecting, and reassembling the gearbox.
Brake System Overhaul:
Master cylinder, wheel cylinder, and brake line replacement and bleeding procedures.
Carburetor Adjustment:
Specific guidance on tuning SU carburetors for optimal performance and fuel economy.
Depth:
Professional quality information, covering all major repair topics in great detail.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced fault-finding and troubleshooting guidance for complex issues.
Visual Aid Quality:
Lots of high-quality pictures and diagrams.
Engine Type:
Jaguar XK Inline 6-Cylinder
Displacement Mark Vii:
3.4 Liters (3442 cc)
Displacement Xk120:
3.4 Liters (3442 cc) initially, later variants included 3.8 Liters (3781 cc)
Horsepower Mark Vii 3.4:
Approx. 160 bhp @ 4750 rpm (standard tune)
Torque Mark Vii 3.4:
Approx. 198 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm (standard tune)
Horsepower Xk120 3.4:
Approx. 180 bhp @ 5300 rpm (OHC configuration)
Horsepower Xk120 3.8:
Approx. 220 bhp @ 5500 rpm (for later XK120 variants, e.g., 140/150 era, but applicable to understanding engine progression)
Carburetion Mark Vii:
Twin SU HD6 Carburetors
Carburetion Xk120:
Twin SU HD6 Carburetors (standard), optional Stromberg or Weber
Fuel Requirement:
Leaded gasoline (specific octane rating relevant to era, e.g., 90-95 RON)
Wheelbase Mark Vii:
Approximately 10 feet 3 inches (3124 mm)
Wheelbase Xk120:
Approximately 8 feet 3 inches (2515 mm)
Overall Length Mark Vii:
Approximately 16 feet 1 inch (4902 mm)
Overall Length Xk120:
Approximately 13 feet 7 inches (4140 mm)
Curb Weight Mark Vii:
Approx. 3,600 - 3,900 lbs (1630 - 1770 kg)
Curb Weight Xk120:
Approx. 2,900 - 3,200 lbs (1315 - 1450 kg)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 miles or 6 months, depending on usage (refer to specific manual for exact recommendations).
Grease Points:
Regular lubrication of suspension and steering components is critical.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or similar viscosity, suitable for classic engines (e.g., Shell Rotella T, Valvoline VR1).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant, mixed with distilled water (typically 50/50).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid (check manual for specific recommendations regarding compatibility with original seals).
Transmission Oil Type:
Gear oil for manual transmission (e.g., GL-4 80W-90 or 85W-90). Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for optional auto gearbox.
Common Problems Engine:
Oil leaks, valve seat wear (due to unleaded fuel if not addressed), carburetor tuning, potential overheating if cooling system is not maintained.
Common Problems Electrical:
Aging wiring insulation, generator output, Lucas electrical components (sometimes referred to as 'Prince of Darkness').
Common Problems Chassis:
Rust in sills, wheel arches, and chassis members; wear in steering and suspension components.
Brand Legacy:
Jaguar is renowned for its luxurious and performance-oriented sports cars and saloons, with a strong racing pedigree.
Mark Vii Positioning:
The Mark VII was Jaguar's first major success in the post-war luxury saloon market, combining performance with elegance. Successor to the Mark V.
Xk120 Positioning:
The XK120 was a groundbreaking sports car, setting speed records and establishing Jaguar as a major player in the global automotive scene. Defined the 'sports car' segment.
Mark Vii Production Years:
1951-1956
Xk120 Production Years:
1948-1954
Manufacturing Location:
Coventry, England
