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MOTRS

XJ6 (Series I-III)

1968-1992 / Sedan / United Kingdom

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

Head gasket failure

Symptoms

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

Cause

The aluminium cylinder head expands at a different rate to the iron block. Overheating events, age, and repeated thermal cycling cause the gasket to fail. The XK engine's long head and six cylinders create a large gasket surface area that's vulnerable to distortion.

Fix

Head off, gasket replaced, head pressure-tested and skimmed if warped.

Use quality gaskets and follow the correct torque sequence.

Budget $2,000-4,000 AUD.

Cost mentioned in fix
Budget $2,000-4,000

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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.
Common Engine

Fuel injection issues (Series 2 and 3)

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