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MOTRS

XJ-S

1975-1996 / Coupe / Convertible / United Kingdom

All XJ-S problems All workshop issues
Common Engine, V12

Exhaust manifold cracking (V12)

Symptoms

Ticking or blowing noise from the engine bay, exhaust smell, sometimes visible exhaust gas.

Cause

The cast iron exhaust manifolds crack from thermal cycling. They're close to other components and can be hard to inspect visually.

Fix

Replace with stainless steel aftermarket manifolds, they last much longer than the originals. Budget $2,000-4,000 AUD for a pair including fitting.

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

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// More XJ-S problems

Other known issues

Minor Engine, V12

Cooling system failure

Engine overheats, temperature gauge climbs into the red, coolant boils over. In severe cases, head gaskets fail and coolant enters the oil.
Common Engine, V12

Head gasket weeping

Coolant appears around the head gasket line (external weep), or coolant contaminates the oil (internal failure, mayonnaise under the filler cap, white exhaust smoke).
Common Engine, V12

Lucas ignition system failure (pre-1989)

Misfiring, rough idle, hard starting, power loss, sometimes total ignition failure.
Common Engine, V12

Marelli ignition issues (1989 onwards)

Similar symptoms to Lucas, misfiring, rough running, but less frequent and usually easier to diagnose.
Common Engine, V12

Fuel injection faults (V12)

Rough idle, hesitation, poor fuel economy (even worse than usual), hard starting, stalling.
Common Engine, Six-Cylinder (AJ6/AJ16)

Timing chain tensioner failure

Rattle from the front of the engine on cold start, which may or may not settle when warm. In severe cases, the chain jumps a tooth and the engine runs badly or stops.
View all 23 XJ-S problems