S-Type (1963)

1963-1968 / Sedan / United Kingdom

All S-Type (1963) problems All workshop issues

Common Engine

Timing chain stretch and tensioner wear

Symptoms

Rattling from the front of the engine on startup that may or may not settle when warm. In severe cases, the chain can jump a tooth, causing valve timing issues or valve-to-piston contact.

Cause

The duplex timing chain stretches over high mileages. The tensioner wears and loses its ability to take up slack.

Fix

Replace the timing chain, tensioner, and sprockets.

It's a front-of-engine job, not a weekend task but not catastrophic either.

Budget $1,500-3,000 AUD including parts and labour.

Cost mentioned in fix

Budget $1,500-3,000

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// More S-Type (1963) problems

Other known issues

Common Engine

XK engine oil leaks

Oil weeps from every gasket and seal, cam covers, timing cover, rear main seal, sump gasket. Most E-Types leave marks wherever they park.

Common Engine

Cooling system inadequacy (six-cylinder)

Engine runs hot, especially in traffic or on warm days. Temperature gauge climbs past the middle mark, car starts to smell hot, coolant may boil over.

Minor Engine

V12 overheating (Series 3)

The same as above, but worse. The V12 generates substantially more heat and the cooling system, despite being larger than the six-cylinder setup, is still barely adequate.

Minor Engine

V12 head gasket failure

Coolant loss with no external leak, white smoke from one bank of exhaust, mayonnaise under the oil filler cap, overheating.

Common Engine

SU carburettor synchronisation issues

Rough idle, flat spots during acceleration, poor fuel economy, backfiring. The car runs badly and smells of petrol.

Minor Bodywork and Rust

Structural floor pan corrosion

Floor pans rot through, usually starting from the inside where moisture sits under the carpet and sound deadening. The car loses rigidity, doors stop closing properly, scuttle shake increases, the windscreen cracks.

View all 24 S-Type (1963) problems