Jaguar V12 Ignition Systems

The 5.3 liter Jaguar V12 had 3 different ignition systems. Here is an overview of the Lucas Opus, Lucas CEI and Magneti Marelli.
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Music used: Dancing Hearts - Anders Enger Jensen • Dancing Hearts
#jaguar #v12 #ignition

[@gregorygonzales2055]

I've had that happen to me on my '89 xjs where the rotor cracked and the car was running only on the left hand bank. I pulled over immediately as smoke was coming from under my hood. I carefully cracked open the hood and luckily no fire, just some old oil burning off, that right hand cat gets really hot very quickly! I replaced the cap and rotor and did a modification where I ground down the mounting shaft of the rotor a little then filled the inside of the rotor with hi temp silicone leaving no air between where the rotor sits on the shaft and the rotor so that the spark from the coil will follow the path intended. I changed out the spark plugs and found them to be gapped too wide and then had to replace the upper right hand cat. Car has been running well and it is my daily. Thanks, Adam for these videos. They are so helpful!

[@LivingWithAClassic]

Great that you caught it fast and saved your car! I think I might go into this failure in more detail in the future. I've done some research on possible failures and why it might happen.

[@BoudeM]

Thanks Adam for yet egain a very clear video of the ignition systems. I have the Lucas en know a lot more about it. Nice the see the inside of the amplifier and to know what to have in stock for when it fails.

[@davidobrien8978]

Very helpful information

[@ajay-xjs]

Very useful and informative 👍🏻

[@rconboard2709]

you’re a lifesaver!! Greetings from Germany

[@mikegrimes3781]

excellent post. i would love to see a post on the 1971 xke v12 carbuerated engine . Keep up the great videos

[@CauliflowerMcPugg]

Thanks for the info Adam, I thought the CEI amp was a sealed unit so it's great to now know it's not. 👍

[@LivingWithAClassic]

I plan om getting a spare module to keep at home when I start daily driving the car. Pretty easy to switch over of it fails.

[@simontogo]

How do you know so much obscure Jaguar trivia? Your videos are super interesting, but I often ask myself "how does he know that?".

[@LivingWithAClassic]

Sadly it never comes in handy at pub quizzes 😂 I just love the cars and read anything I could about them when I was younger. I still learn new things every day

[@jamieduff1981]

Good video, thanks!

[@woodyTM]

thank you so much! ive been waiting for this video!!!

[@LivingWithAClassic]

Thank you for watching!

[@jamesderrick1972]

Great videos. Any chance of getting one on the ECU module?

[@Tubecraft1]

Brilliant thannk you

[@GeneMcCormick]

Yes I got from 55 Blazer which was the correct one.

[@patrickkennedy7354]

Hello Adam, can you help with the layout of thee ignition leads on the Jaguar double six 6ltr V12 1996 model. It doesn't have a distributor but just two boxes with six sockets in each. I didn't take a picture of the way they were before removing the leads. So I don't know which box is for left side and which is for the right side. I've fitted new spark plugs and I have all new ignition leads. I like all the videos you've done, many thanks from Patrick.

[@truthseeker5911]

I believe that the Re-Opus ignition is no longer available. The man that made them here in New Zealand has now retired. Pertronix also make a replacement ignition for the Pre HE.

[@zorbameno]

Please help me if you can , i have lost the order wish Which wire into which socket for spark distributor

[@douglascelmer9115]

Where can I buy the stylish aluminum round air inductors? For the XJS

[@asdreww]

Great video. I'd be interested in a bit more info on the Marelli system - where the sensors are etc. Never understood really why anyone would want to retrofit the old style into a Marelli car - it's a jump backwards in reliability/tech by 15 years!

[@LivingWithAClassic]

I've never understood that either but some people are "afraid" of it.

[@DanielJett]

Happy Easter, Adam! I liked your characterization of ‘Death Valley,’ classic! Thanks for this, my ignition system has been on my mind of late. My XJ-S was manufactured in February 1988 and is likely one of the last Lucas systems mounted on the manifold. My mechanic characterized as my Lucas amplifier as “high performance;” would you agree with this characterization? Are there ‘better’ amplifier/coil combinations available? I presume that, because Jaguar abandoned Lucas for Marelli later in 1988, Lucas must not have been on top of its game at the time... Just curious about your opinion.

[@LivingWithAClassic]

Thank you Daniel and Happy late easter to you. Hope that you and your family are well and safe. For the time it was a powerful ignition system and it has stood the test of time. They are very reliable and deliver a strong spark. Marelli in my opinion was more of a distributor upgrade than spark. The advance curve can be a lot more acurate with it

[@jamesduffy5604]

Can you tell me why my Lucas ignition amplify module fails after 5 minutes of running ? It has eaten 3 in 20 minutes of running? ?

[@randyandjenniferfuller7396]

So if the amplifier goes bad do you loos spark

[@anthonydavis7704]

Hi I have a 93 Juguar XJ6 4.0 and I’m not getting fire to the coil, I have replaced crank sensor and coil. If you can will you send me a video of what You think I should do next. Thanks

[@doeboy1976]

Hello. Your 91 XJS. I see you have aftermarket air cleaners. Is that an aftermarket kit you can buy? If so where can I get one for my Jaguar? Thanks

[@robertwilliams2879]

how do you check just the coil

[@MechanicForGMCCars]

Please help me I have problem. Me car Opel Ascona C 1.3l model uses that 4pin gm ignition module and it has induction triger I do have that E core singel ignition coil type . How can I wire that amplifier with me existing gm ignition system. You mentioned twin coils with that set up. How can I use 2 coils at the same time basicaly I want some thing similar like waste spark ignition system I experiment lot with me car and even used plasma ignition so I realy need to figure out how to activate 2 ignition coils at the same time useing 1 singel triger. That twin points rotor arm was interesting does it fit on opel gm distributor? Culd you please make exact video to show where those wire goes if it is hei alredy used ignition system and how to improve it? I also have problem those clasic gm cars come with starter selenoid with R terminal but I cant use it me fuse pops aperantly that 4 pin gm ignition module and me dashboard positive linear voltage regulator are polarity sensitive. So is there a way I can use that R terminal bypass wire I have more of those starter selenoid wuld reversing them in series ore pararel configuration winding them solve that problem? I have mostly trobel in winter time me coil does not get enough voltage so Im in deap shit . So please any thing wuld help me . I have trobel for years with that car.

[@irvingmartinez7063]

Keep up the good work also what scan tool would you recommend for a 97 jaguar ? Thanks

[@LivingWithAClassic]

Thank you! It depends how "deep" you want to scan. Just engine codes or more?

[@irvingmartinez7063]

@@LivingWithAClassic it would just be the engine codes :)

[@brandonwatson8218]

Irving Martinez just stop by your local auto parts store they do it for free usually.

[@davidrhodes7655]

You are becoming the " go too person " for Jaguar s V 12 onya coz not very many mechanics go near them they put em in the too hard basket 😅

[@tinkerne-round4079]

I found you at just the right time. I recently bought an 88 Hess & Eisenhardt. One of the previous owners thought it may be the last one, or near the last one built. I haven't verified (if even verifiable) the claim. I have an intermittent no start problem so I thought since I don't know when the injector hoses, or a tune up was last done I'd start there. Last time I had a no start I dribbled a little gas into the vacuum lined on top of each intake and it started after two days of trying. If you have any insight please share. Thanks Kevin

[@tinkerne-round4079]

I also own a good running 86 xjs. The only problems with that one are the exhaust had cracks in the through rear end pipes, the seats are a little rough and recently the charging system has been putting out to many volts randomly. All the repairs should be pretty easy.

[@jdere31760]

Tinker, sounds like a fuel delivery issue. I would, at the minimum, check the fuel pressure. Replacing fuel filter is a quick and cheap item that could solve your problem. Also make sure the fuel regulators are working properly. I have owned a few xjs and all of them needed a bunch of maintenance to run properly.

[@tinkerne-round4079]

@@jdere31760 it does run very well after I get it started. I will change the filters when I do the tune up thank you.

[@livingroomguitarist7]

There is a problem with the ECU’s in these cars and it will start giving you running issues where the relay will cut power to the fuel pump. You can jump the relay and the car will run just fine. When you turn the ignition key to the on position you should hear the fuel pump run for 5 seconds and then shut off. If you don’t hear the pump run, then this is most likely your problem. The relay is located in the trunk on the right hand side.

[@tinkerne-round4079]

@@livingroomguitarist7 I did crack the fuel line and got fuel when I turned the key. I didn't check the pressure though. It has been starting reliably lately. I adjusted the throttle plates and linkage, and repaired a couple loose vacuum lines. It idles better now. Progress is slow. I have lots of projects and work away from home. I'll keep plugging away at it.

[@randyandjenniferfuller7396]

Picked one up but no spark

[@johnsalster6313]

My '88 XJS has the lucas amp. But, I keep frying HEI modules. The last one lasted almost 2 yrs., so I always keep a spare HEI module w/me. I also carry a tube of heat sink w/me. Do you think that applying a really thick coat of the heat sink compound between the module and the base of the amp would offer more protection? There's gotta be a better way because I've fried 5 of 'em in 5 yrs. Maybe a thick aluminum plate under the amp?

[@LivingWithAClassic]

That’s odd that they keep frying. There should be heat sync paste under the module to protect it

[@alexjenner1108]

Heat sink paste should not be thick, as it doesn't transfer heat as good at metal. You want the metal surfaces to be flat and have a thin layer of paste. If the metal is bent or warped in any way, extra heat sink paste is not the answer. Also some heat sink pastes are better than others. The same is true for computer cpu heat sinks and audio amplifiers.

[@genemccormick7567]

That was very informative. The previous owner of my V12 mentioned I could use GM module. Whats he talking about?? Adam showed its in the Ignition Amplifier. Also that spot gets very hot. I have installed a module in my HE distributor on my Cadillac. So that's were the module is on the HE Lucas unit that can be opened up not sealed as it looks.

[@LivingWithAClassic]

They do get very hot and it's important to use a special paste on the back of them (zinc I belive) to help the heat dissipate

[@ThePaulv12]

On HE's the Lucas module isn't Lucas at all - it's a clamshell pack 4 pin GM HEI module which is very convenient.

[@LivingWithAClassic]

Yes they are. Easy and quick to change

[@fauzi1881]

Can u pls share a little bit detail on how u change the board of your ignition into re opus ie what to change and where to buy? Really appreciate it. Thanks.

[@LivingWithAClassic]

I believe re-opus isn't being made any more sadly. If you have a pre-HE the best bet is the SNG Barratt kit that removes the Opus completely.

[@fauzi1881]

@@LivingWithAClassic My Ignition amplifier is not working now. I have a pre-HE. Are you suggesting I get SNG Barratt kit? What do you mean by kit? thanks.

[@fauzi1881]

@@LivingWithAClassic Wonderful video. I have a ignition amplifier that is not working now on my pre-HE. Need to understand your recommendation of replacing the Opus amplifier with the Lucas CI. 1. Do I need to just get the Lucas CI and put it into the Opus box? Is there anything else need to be done? 2. Do I also need to replace the distributors as you mentioned? 3. Anything to do with the coil? 4. If you could share with me the link for the Lucas CI would really appreciate it. Sorry, I'm new with this V12 engine.

[@Ms525252]

Hi, I have reconditioned a 1992 XJS engine, it fired up fine and ran sweet but the next time I wanted to run it it fails to start up, I have found I have power at both the coils (Magnetic Marelli) but no spark from both the coil HT leads, can you suggest what is the most likely problem please.

[@christianresources1912]

Make sure your coolant temp sensor is plugged in... if it comes disconnected it will not run...

[@vincentlanza5155]

tinkering around with a 76 xjs i inheritied, clean rot free car, it cranks, it gets good fuel pressure at the filter under the hood, working the throttle under the hood can here clicking, it will fire for a second with starting fluid, i did run a hot and ground to each injector to listen for a click and each do click, but don't think they are getting fuel to the cylinders,, anything i should be looking into ? cranks but won't fire up,

[@michaelh503]

Hi, did u solve the problem, got the same on my 76 xjs.

[@chrismaley895]

Adam, I cannot find any more "ignition" amplifiers" for my Wife's 85 XJ-6, y 86 XJS, or for my Son's 86Xk-6. As you can see we are a Jaguar family. Do you know the "GM" part number for the replacement on the ignition amplifier? Thanks for any help and thank you for another very fine video. Also, I would like to contribute some money to your cause--is there a way to do that? Your knowledge is worth more than a million! Chris/Colorado/USA

[@bigjohn6405]

fits a 1985 chevy blazer v8

[@nicowarr]

Hi Adam - do you know how one can get hold a REOPUS unit nowadays? If they are no longer available what system upgrade do you currently use, to improve the OPUS? Thanks

[@LivingWithAClassic]

Sadly you can’t get a hold of it any more. I recommend the system that SNG Barratt made. It’s pretty pricey but it’s the only option if your car is fuel injected

[@nicowarr]

@@LivingWithAClassic many thanks! Sad that OPUS is gone. I wonder if anyone out there has the circuit diagrams so that an enterprising soul could start remaking them

[@LivingWithAClassic]

@nicowarr maybe his family has it but not sure. It was made by one man in Australia. He passed away a few years ago sadly.

[@nicowarr]

@@LivingWithAClassic Sorry to hear that.

[@nicowarr]

@@LivingWithAClassic do you have any experience of the Mobek Tekniske EFI distributor-delete system? On the suggestion of Ben, at your sponsors Simply Performance, I spoke to Ole Mobek about it and he seems extremely knowledgeable. His kit looks well made and comes pre-programmed. Any views? Thanks!

[@christianresources1912]

The problem w my 92 marelli system is the the wires to the coils become brittle... and the insulation starts to flake off and you get that not running on one side... I have had to order high temp wires to rewire them....

[@fredastaire1954]

I have jist purchased a 92 cjs also. Exhaust at the rear was too hot to touch so I shut her down.