Hey guys,
I have a series 1.5 e-type coupe.
I've never worked on a car before and i don't really know anything about mechanics.
The car was in running condition 7 years ago but has not been run since then so i assume the fluids must be changed before starting her up again.
I really would like to work on the car myself so i was wondering how i would go about learning how to work on it without making a mess out of it,
so i was wondering how you guys learnt to work on your jags and if you had any pointers for me about where to start?
Also what tools would be required if i wanted to work on it just to change the fluids and get it running again.
How did you learn to work on your jag?
#2
The first thing to do is check visually all over the car for obvious signs of leaks or problems(In particular the braking system). Check the brakes without starting the engine. Jack up the car and with the hand brake off and the wheels chocked see if the wheels turn freely and are not jammed on. Next press the brakes and see if they lock the wheels and if they also release after. They maybe hard to press as the servo will not be helping you at this stage. If all is Ok then visual checks for leaks , brake fluid, water , oil anything else.
The next thing to do is think about starting the engine, but only think about it at this stage as you may want to check oil levels or change the oil and filter.
I am sure you will get advise about how to go about starting a long standing engine, but I would suggest you take out the plugs and turn it over by hand and maybe put a small amount of oil or other recommended fluid down the bores. When you are happy the engine is turn over freely by hand you can start to think about turning it over off the starter motor without the plugs in, just to see if you generate any oil pressure. If you do get a suitable pressure, you may as well have ago to see if she fires up. If she does fire up, only do it for a short time enough to check oil pressure, and for obvious leaks etc. If the engine sounds very rough in terms of tappet nosies , big end, little end type knocking then turn it off as you have a problem. If she does fire up then you will find out about, rear oil seal leaks , water leaks etc, very quickly.
Assuming everything is Ok you then need to checks the brakes in the drive at a very low speed and slowly build up confidence (in the drive) that the brakes will stop you. This is assuming you have a flat drive of a decent length and will not end up running out into the road if they fail.
Again assuming everything is Ok you need to starting thinking about how long some of the brakes pipes , water pipes are going to last and in what condition they are in.
The other way for complete safety is to renew everything regardless, but this is expensive and may not need doing. but you will learn a lot about the car in the process.
The main thing is to concentrate on the safety items such as the brakes, if the engine blows it can be fixed with money, it the brakes fail who knows what can happen.
As a novice to mechanics you have picked a very difficult car to learn on. If you have oil in your blood or are really keen to learn then have a go. Failing that get out the cheque book, swallow hard and pay the Tlllerman.
I am sure I have missed out lot of other good advise about starting up an old engine, but the more experienced will be along shortly.
The next thing to do is think about starting the engine, but only think about it at this stage as you may want to check oil levels or change the oil and filter.
I am sure you will get advise about how to go about starting a long standing engine, but I would suggest you take out the plugs and turn it over by hand and maybe put a small amount of oil or other recommended fluid down the bores. When you are happy the engine is turn over freely by hand you can start to think about turning it over off the starter motor without the plugs in, just to see if you generate any oil pressure. If you do get a suitable pressure, you may as well have ago to see if she fires up. If she does fire up, only do it for a short time enough to check oil pressure, and for obvious leaks etc. If the engine sounds very rough in terms of tappet nosies , big end, little end type knocking then turn it off as you have a problem. If she does fire up then you will find out about, rear oil seal leaks , water leaks etc, very quickly.
Assuming everything is Ok you then need to checks the brakes in the drive at a very low speed and slowly build up confidence (in the drive) that the brakes will stop you. This is assuming you have a flat drive of a decent length and will not end up running out into the road if they fail.
Again assuming everything is Ok you need to starting thinking about how long some of the brakes pipes , water pipes are going to last and in what condition they are in.
The other way for complete safety is to renew everything regardless, but this is expensive and may not need doing. but you will learn a lot about the car in the process.
The main thing is to concentrate on the safety items such as the brakes, if the engine blows it can be fixed with money, it the brakes fail who knows what can happen.
As a novice to mechanics you have picked a very difficult car to learn on. If you have oil in your blood or are really keen to learn then have a go. Failing that get out the cheque book, swallow hard and pay the Tlllerman.
I am sure I have missed out lot of other good advise about starting up an old engine, but the more experienced will be along shortly.
Last edited by Tony on Mon Apr 18, 2011 5:07 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Tony (E typed)
1962 E Type Series 1 Roadster (OTS)
Tony
1962 E Type Series 1 Roadster (OTS)
Tony
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#3
Welcome to the Forum. Lots of help and advice here so jump in and ask. The E-Type is a relatively easy car to work on so don't be afraid at having a go and if you check out the 'Restoration Stories' part of the Forum you will find lots of kindred spirits. Start by getting yourself a copies of the factory Service and Parts Manual's (usually available on eBay) and a copy of Chris Rooke's book on his first time restoration of his S1.5 - everyone is most impressed by his tenacity!
As for changing the fluids I use Mity-Vac products for oil change and brake/clutch fluid changes. This one empties the oil without mess (put pipe into dipstick hole, pump 10 times and go for a coffee, job done!):
This one allows you to bleed the clutch/brakes without help (although the rear brakes can be a bit tricky):
As for changing the fluids I use Mity-Vac products for oil change and brake/clutch fluid changes. This one empties the oil without mess (put pipe into dipstick hole, pump 10 times and go for a coffee, job done!):
This one allows you to bleed the clutch/brakes without help (although the rear brakes can be a bit tricky):
David Jones
S1 OTS OSB
1997 Porsche 911 Guards Red
2026 Lexus LBX
Add your E-Type to our World Map: http://forum.etypeuk.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1810
S1 OTS OSB
1997 Porsche 911 Guards Red
2026 Lexus LBX
Add your E-Type to our World Map: http://forum.etypeuk.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1810
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