The 'E' Type Forum

Does anyone have measurements of the original spark plug lead lengths for the 3.8 engine (as specified below)?

Tadek

You're best off cutting them to length yourself.

Start with the longest lead first (#1). Then if you cut it too short you can still use it for the next longest etc etc.

If you are using the hard sheath I recommend enlarging the holes, and using silicone spray to facilitate inserting the leads.

At times like this my awareness of how fortunate I have been with my XK120 grows higher and higher..

I had everything down to spark cables original on a '53 car. Not to mention spare tyre, tubes, keys, etc, etc..

Tadek

Yes. There's nothing like starting with a complete running car.

My last restoration...

Well, here is how original cables look on a XK120 from '53.





They are actually the same length as on the early 3.8 e-type.

Not a person here has original cables from later 3.8?..


Tadek

ysmalkie wrote: ↑

Tue Feb 25, 2020 9:15 am

They are actually the same length as on the early 3.8 e-type.

Tadek

It's pretty much the same engine. Copy those and you'll be spot on. If you use right angled spark plug caps you may need them slightly shorter.

Just a small point, but I once watched a concours nazi, (sorry, judge), criticise the routing of plug cables on an early E which were as shown in the photo of the XK above. On early Es, the cables were routed between the cam covers at the front of the head. Someone with access to a judging guide will correct me if this is wrong.

Probably very right - they do have the same part numbers though as the later XK120ies...

Tadek

So, I think it could have changed thoughout the production:

Early car:



Later car:



and last version:



Tadek