The 1967 XKE I just purchased from the original owner only has 29K miles. She has stored the car in a garage for the last 10 years or so. In order to wake her up correctly what process should I use other than drain and replace all fluids, change all filters, drop some marvel mystery oil in each cylinder and rotate the engine by hand.

Also this car is so nice, 100% original with no flaws whatsoever, even original paint that is perfect. Some of the chrome is pitted but not bad. This one does not even need a restoration. I am almost afraid to use it. Will I ruin its value by using it as a weekender?

Thanks

Submitted by NE52-32043 on Fri, 07/16/2004 - 10:54

Carle,

I agree with Pascal. The rubber stuff deteriorates fairly quickly when left sitting. Hose should be changed. If the car was sitting on the tires all that time, they certainly took a "set" and will thump. but the bigger potential problem is having them blow on you on the highway. I'd change them for sure.

Pay special attention to the brake fluid. Flush the system thoroughly. The floats in the reservoirs were made of cork and deteriorate, leaving black crap in the bottles. You can replace the float with a new cork. But be sure to wash out the bottles and flush the fluid several times to be sure there is nothing in the systems. Be careful about bleeding the brakes with the pedal. You can tear up the seals if you depress the pedal too far if there is corrosion in the piston cylinder.

Check the bushings and suspension. Make sure that you grease every zerk that you can find, front and rear. Check the wheel bearings and possibly repack them, just for safety sake.

Also, was the gas tank drained? If not, drain it and make sure that it is clean. Sitting over time, they can accumulate moisture and rust from the inside out. Don't just fill the tank with gas. Make sure it is clean first or you will suck up a load of crap and really have a problem. Any old gas must be flushed out of the system before you use the fuel pump or try to start the car as it is probably varnish by now. Check the fuel lines as well and change them if they are at all questionable. You might want to take the carbs apart and make sure they are not gummed up and clean them as well.

Flush the radiator out really well and make sure that it is not clogged. Put in new coolant, 50/50 distilled water and anti-freeze, with a bottle of Red Line Water Wetter. Also, change the thermostat (make sure you get the correct one for that car, not a cheapy from the local auto parts place).

Sitting that long, there's a good chance that lots of the seals have dried out. Don't be surprised if you start to find leaks all around the engine once you start running it regularly. Fortunately, stuff like the banjo bolts and valve cover gaskets are easy to replace. Just pray that the rear main seal and head gasket are still in good condition.

Steve Weinstein, JTC-NJ
'72 E-type 2+2
'70 XKE FHC

Submitted by pascal@jcna.com on Thu, 07/15/2004 - 11:41

all fluids, but also all hoses and belts. rubber ages with time, not just miles, 10 years plus whatever age they were when the car was stored is asking for problems down (and ON) the road...

same with the tires... 5 years is the recommended life span... change them (and the tubes) before you drive it....

29k is indeed low mile but not that low... driving a few thousand miles a year on week end isn't going to do much to the value.

Pascal Gademer
South Florida Jaguar Club
72 E-type 2+2
00 XKR Coupe
99 XJR