XJ6 (Series I-III)

1968-1992 / Sedan / United Kingdom

All XJ6 (Series I-III) problems All workshop issues

Common Engine

Fuel injection issues (Series 2 and 3)

Symptoms

Hard starting, rough idle, hesitation, stalling, poor economy.

Cause

Early Lucas fuel injection (Series 2) is primitive and parts are getting scarce. Later Bosch injection (Series 3) is more reliable but still has age-related issues, injectors clog, sensors drift, wiring degrades, and vacuum lines perish.

Fix

Diagnose systematically.

Check for vacuum leaks, test the coolant temperature sensor and other inputs, clean or replace injectors, replace perished vacuum hoses.

The Bosch system on the Series 3 is well-understood and parts are available.

Budget $500-2,000 AUD depending on what's needed.

Cost mentioned in fix

Budget $500-2,000

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// More XJ6 (Series I-III) problems

Other known issues

Common Engine

XK engine oil leaks

Oil weeps from cam covers, timing chain cover, sump gasket, and rear main seal. The engine bay is perpetually oily. Oil drips on the exhaust and creates smoke.

Common Engine

Cooling system inadequacy

Engine runs hot, particularly in traffic or on warm days. Temperature gauge climbs, coolant may boil over, heater blows hot when it shouldn't.

Common Engine

SU carburettor problems (Series 1)

Rough idle, flat spots, hesitation, black smoke, fuel smell, poor starting.

Minor Engine

Head gasket failure

Coolant loss, white smoke from exhaust, overheating, mayonnaise under the oil filler cap.

Minor Engine

2.8-litre engine problems

Excessive vibration, bearing failure, overheating, poor performance.

Minor Bodywork and Rust

Sill corrosion (structural)

Outer sills bubble and perforate. Inner sills rot silently behind trim. The car's rigidity decreases, doors sag, gaps become uneven, and the body flexes over bumps.

View all 28 XJ6 (Series I-III) problems