Will this Forgotten V12 Run and Drive After Sitting for 20 years?

Will this forgotten Jaguar XJS V12 run and drive after sitting for 20 years? Let's find out in this video! Not giving up until this forgotten and neglected V12 runs and drives again after 20 years.
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#willitrun #abandoned #v12

[@d.o.a.garage]

Oooooo the whine of that power steering! eek! Neighbors: "So what kind of farm are you going to have?" Adam: "A preserve for old jaguars." Neighbors:😵‍💫

[@LivingWithAClassic]

Yep it sounds terrible but will get filled shortly and checked for leaks. It’s the best kind of farm!

[@jeffharrison5265]

Great work Adam!! The snow has melted here finally, so can once again get back to work on mine. Your enthusiasm is contagious. Looking forward to more. Cheers.

[@alexandrecouture2462]

As days goes by, I'd say that it takes a lot of dedication to want to use a V12 car, with the rapidly increasing fuel price. Put some injector cleaner in the fuel and it will run much better. Still, great job at making it run!

[@NotoriousEgg89]

I got an 85 series 3 last year in hopes of having a project for this summer... looks like I might be trying to figure out a hybrid/electric instead of fixing the v12....

[@stephanusjohanneshough2646]

Hi Adam congratulations and well done.You managed to get it running within two days after your friend had decided to thrown in the towel.You definitely have a magic touch with the neccessary skills and knowledge.

[@murraykriner9425]

Thank Heaven's the owner didn't leave fuel in that beast to gum all the works up completely. Small blessings, but blessings none the less.

[@jagvette1]

Good job to get it running, another test I do to find out dead cylinders is use an infrared gauge and point at the exhaust pipe on each cylinder the colder ones are obviously not firing. It was painful to listen to the steering pump, you really need to get a supply of basic fluids Gas/Transmission/Brake/steering/coolant/brake cleaner etc. especially if your turning this in to a sub business. But as always great video, keep them coming.

[@wardmontgomery9259]

Excellent tip ! Thanks for the comment.

[@Mozart_The_Cat]

Watching you revive these old Jags wants me to dust off my 1975 XJ-S #39.

[@BigFiveJack]

Great to see the running, driving shifting XJS after 20 years of "sleep". Watching at least 15 of your videos thus far, I've really enjoyed myself a lot! You surprised me twice in this video, by the 34:23 mark. When you stated that you had nearly NO fuel at home was the first time, and when you stated that you were not certain if you had transmission fluid at home was the second. Shortly thereafter you said that you had about a liter of T.F. and had put that into the unit. Then things went quite wonderfully through the end of the footage!

[@craigmorton1944]

I friend of mine was a Jag mechanic in the 1960s. Another workshop sent over a MK2 Sedan to him for fault diagnosis . The MK2 wouldnt run after a major engine rebuild. After much checking my jag mechanic friend found that whoever rebuilt the motor installed the intake side camshaft onto the exhaust side and the exhaust camshaft onto the intake side ! There was much laughter when the fault was discovered . Best wishes from Australia Craig E Type OTS 1969

[@lionelguilbert6493]

Love the sound the the V9! Such satisfaction to get a car running after so long and see all the systems come back alive...

[@LivingWithAClassic]

It really is! You feel great after

[@paulkirkland1535]

😹My thoughts exactly. gr8 job Adam,the big cat meows once again! ☺👍💯

[@0richbike]

That side of the car is called the right side for a reason ;-)

[@0richbike]

Now I want a V12 Jag

[@LivingWithAClassic]

You should get one. They’re great!

[@0richbike]

@@LivingWithAClassic a school friends big brother had one briefly. He could only afford the petrol to got to the petrol station and back. And that only ran on 10 cyls

[@berwhaletheavenger]

This takes me back to October 1989 when I bought my first XJ-S from an auction. I wasn't quite 20 🙂 He was a 1977 built car, GM400 box and body colour bootlid panel. OF COURSE it needed new wings (£600), sills, and OF COURSE that horrid Yank gearbox failed. At 52,000 miles, which was normal. I fitted HE Starfish wheels and silver stripes....the HE looked so much better and most early cars were updated. My second was a signal red '76 manual, a flying machine.

[@ndh641]

You would be a rich man if you kept the manual one, assuming it was original

[@berwhaletheavenger]

@@ndh641 I had far more valuable cars than that! It was a a factory built 4 speed car, yes. They weren't the best gearbox in the world - they needed a modern 5 speed such as a ZF or Getrag.

[@bradharris6285]

Thanks to this channel my son and i got my dad's xjs up and running thank you so much for your content

[@LivingWithAClassic]

I’m so glad you got the car up and running! Thank you so much for you comment also! It’s really comments like these that help me keep wanting to make these videos

[@charlesbradley2943]

Must be a wonderful feeling to get that puppy started. Great video and diagnosis. Thank you.

[@christophers7070]

Well done. Adam, you seem like a great guy, would like to have a beer with you. You never swear or get angry. How do you stay so calm. Keep the videos coming. The Swedish scenery is great too.

[@MM_in_Havasu]

Very cool to see that XJS light off so easily after sitting for some time! Time for a full service and tune-up on this rig now! Thanks for a good informative video!

[@johndavey72]

Hi Adam. What a result and even the most accomplished craftsmen can miss the obvious ! (He'll be really embarrassed !) You've really hit the lucky button but we all know there's masses to do but great start ! Thanks Adam .

[@hanoiboy9839]

Wow, it is running, well done Adam. What craftmanship. Congratulations !!

[@LivingWithAClassic]

Thank you!

[@Rovinman]

Congratulations Adam ! The Jaguar Guru strikes again ! Video length Ok ! I was surprised how well it ran after starting ! Waiting for the tidying up videos now !

[@LivingWithAClassic]

Thanks Stuart! Yes it’s time to see if I can get it to run on 12 first. Hopefully just ignition related

[@jaguarrroman]

I enjoyed watching the Jag video! In my green years I also used to start the engine standing outside the car, till once she turned out to be in gear and ran away from me when the engine started. ;-)

[@RafaZahorski]

Adam I love your channel. You are doing a great job for such a guys like myself. I have 2 x Daimler Double Six 1986 and recently I bought XJS 1988. my XJS was now working over 10 years and...still is not working. I exchanged only a new sparks. It has only 42 k mile mileage only and looks as new one - US version. Now after watching your moves I will come once again to it and start without problem. You given me an inspiration to do it. Both of us knows that Jaguar V12 is the most difficult engines to keep alive ever made. There is no place for hands comparing to old MB cars or any others. You know I mean everything what is surrounding and working with these engines - mechanically they are perfect and very strong. Famous over hitting problems are coming due to bad maintenance only. Every car needs love and all Jags especially. As you said: car must drive and engine must work - they are not for standing lazy for months in a garage. i will follow your steps with other maintenance tricks with suspension and cooling :-) You are presenting all of it as it is very easy but it is not so easy. I like your style of describing and explaining. once again - great thanks man for your excellent channel and moves. Cheers from Poland, from Szczecin Rafal

[@LivingWithAClassic]

Thank you and good luck with your cars!

[@stevecoulter2468]

Great Job! Loved seeing you sort it out. Seeing the oil gauge come up slow highlights the fact the oil was not getting lubrication into the engine (another of the 20 year sitting issues) but as a first start hard to avoid getting oil into all the channels and flow ports. it was suggested - i think i read it in Kirby Palmers Book-, and is something im going to be initiating into my startup process is to stop/kill spark for a few slower cranks - to prime the engine oil if its been sitting, then activate spark, instead of the revolutions happening so much faster in a idle or run rpm. Similar to Aero methods. Warming up the oil sufficently pushed its way around. I have been cleaning my engine by hand with Varisol, rags, a straight parts cleaning brush and a number of brass or nylon brushes. - i once cleaned a truck size Waukashaw open pushrod diesel generator that way - so when compared to IT a V12 its nothing to get all the years of multi curddled oil leaks in my 84 XJS. I have it down to the heads and am only just now rebuilding after doing the valve covers properly. You have given me good ideas and paths to accomplish lots, plus i did fine three XJS correct UK and American manuals on EBay for under a 100$. keep having fun!

[@LivingWithAClassic]

Thanks! Regarding the gauge I just think it’s bad connections. The oil warning light went out right away so it does build oil pressure quickly. Just all the electrics need to be cleaned and then used

[@cbdoil4082]

I wish you well in repairing this great car. My first car was a XJS BACK IN 85. I adored it and hope to get one again.

[@fredgien]

One of the few cars that get more beautiful over the years.I prefer it over the E-type.

[@LivingWithAClassic]

Agreed! They have aged very well. Much better driving compared to an E-type too

[@hughbishopnh]

Great video Adam. A masterclass in getting a car going after so long in a barn. Congratulations.

[@LivingWithAClassic]

Thank you Hugh!

[@ArmandoGonzalez-nj6vk]

you are seriously the jaguar doctor getting a stethoscope to injectors is a new one for me love the vids keep it up

[@LivingWithAClassic]

Thank you! It’s the best way to hear things on this big engine

[@johnfrench9608]

Nice work! Great to see a young man who really knows his oily rags. Keep them going for decades to come.

[@8000Christopher]

WOW, great work young man !

[@LivingWithAClassic]

Thank you!

[@RickCT2000]

Excellent detective work Sherlock Holmes. Excellent Video Steven Spielberg.

[@LivingWithAClassic]

Thank you Rick for the compliments!

[@frothe42]

Excellent Adam! Glad you are giving a good going over!

[@LivingWithAClassic]

Thanks! The plan is to give it back to the owner with a fresh MOT ready to go

[@frothe42]

@@LivingWithAClassic Excellent! Seeing your previous work, you will give it a good going over, replace hoses, see about the power steering and if it needs a new pump, flush the cooling system, and whatever else I have forgotten to mention. It sounds very nice even for sitting dormant for twenty years! I also like the light wood in the interior, makes the XJ-S special. Hoping your own XJ-S will come out looking very nice!

[@steves9905]

How fun it would be to casually drive around one’s property and go “look there’s a Jag” and “oh another one” and then “look 2 more”. Possibly a Range Rover thrown it too for grins

[@donnysweekendvanlifetravel7854]

A great success Adam charging could be dirty connection but we'll done look forward to the updates on here and insta all the best donny

[@vincentbarnes7839]

the body looks in nice condition

[@carlorizzo5308]

You are my new super hero!!!...no joking...i just bought an 84 Jaguar XJ-S....I'm sure your videos will be very helpful ❤

[@LivingWithAClassic]

Glad I could help! Enjoy your XJS

[@grayfool]

Excellent. Pretty good for having sat for twenty years. I still remember the first time I drove in France. Being English, I had a right hand drive car. All was fine until I got to the first roundabout! Yikes! My wife was gripping the dash with white knuckles. I totally get your anxiety sitting on the wrong side of the car Adam.

[@michaelw3326]

Very inspiring video. Love your methodical approach and attention to detail. You are confident and not intimidated. Might motivate me to keep chipping away at my classic car. Thank you.

[@robertlebarr1791]

This video helped me alot I just got a 87 xjs v12 that sat for a couple years that cranks but won't start and I think I can trouble shoot it with ease .

[@dualrobin]

Great video and driving in the right side seat is just great

[@hardit359]

Great work Adam..!

[@parrotraiser6541]

If you've been around piston aero engines, especially radials, for a while, the lethargic manner in which the cylinders consent to join in the performance is perfectly normal. The slow start to the charging was likely the result of the drive belt slipping. It probably hardened in place after 20 years. Running for a while likely softened it. If you're used to driving on one side of the road, then switch, you're likely to have odd dreams set on the wrong side of the road. Once you're thoroughly familiar with driving on both sides, being a passenger will be equally harrowing on both.

[@Thanos.m]

I recently went abroad from the UK hadn't driven a LHD car in years aside from going for the passager door a few times it was quite easy defently not harrowing

[@parrotraiser6541]

@@Thanos.m It's not the driving that's harrowing; it's sitting there as a passenger with no controls.

[@Rick-sl7iw]

Hi Adam what a great job 👏🏻 for twenty years that wasn’t to bad if anyone could do it you can well done mate

[@LivingWithAClassic]

Thanks Rick! Hopefully I can get it running better soon

[@terryeustice5399]

The carburetor’s are trick on Jag’s. So that maybe the problem. Before I would tear into the engine. A good tune up. And good gas high octane. A really beautiful preserved car. Thank you for sharing

[@pstreetgarage7304]

Great trouble shooting. Very interesting looking at these old Jags. I had an 02 S Type ( basically a Ford). Interesting seeing the fuel system and its quirks on the older ones. Very well done.

[@testerfamustertest5385]

Beautiful car. Interior looks mint👌🏻

[@nealkeith299]

Good logic trouble shooting. Looks like you may have a Christine on your hands!😝 You remind me of a dear friend, we lost in the mid 80s. Take care!

[@davidsolloway9349]

Good problem solving. You may want to invest in a couple of fender covers!

[@LivingWithAClassic]

Thanks! I have a few of them but I don’t use them on dirty cars, it scratches the paint even more. Now that it drives I can wash it before I start working on it and of course cover the fenders / wings

[@jun246tube]

Hello I am learning a lot from your wonderful video. I own old VW with the D-Jetronic. Thank you !! ....Watching you from Japan.

[@Hopgoodd]

Great stuff! :-) Keep.the vids coming

[@LivingWithAClassic]

Thanks!

[@mick00000000002]

Your information from the start was great...... ........................ Thank you. Your information is great from the start. I submitted. And thump up. ) God bless

[@stew6338]

WELL DONE Adam.

[@LivingWithAClassic]

Thank you!

[@user-ty6cz6jc1f]

Brit here where are you in the world? Thanks liking the channel.

[@thecampchaoschronicles9567]

Nice work. 👍

[@LivingWithAClassic]

Thank you!

[@williamellis3961]

You are. Enjoying this too much!

[@LivingWithAClassic]

Yes I am. It’s good to enjoy your job

[@carlorizzo5308]

The fuel came through I was clapping😊

[@paulroper8649]

Nice work.. Looks very similar to how my 1985 was . - including the misfire :-) What is the VIN ?

[@alexandrecouture2462]

It's a feature. This V12 has cylinder de-activation technology. :)

[@BigFiveJack]

Please, what octane level is called for in the various V12 engines that we saw in the XJS and XJ 12 cars over the decades? Thank you!

[@dougwernham5209]

Excellent video very interesting thanks Adam.

[@LivingWithAClassic]

Glad you liked it Doug!

[@kevinmurphy4304]

Good work. Good video as usual.

[@LivingWithAClassic]

Thank you!

[@thomasshepard6030]

The 3.8 XJS WAS THE BEST ONE IN MY OPINION IHAD A BLACK ONE WITH RED LEATHER NEVER LET ME DOWN

[@LivingWithAClassic]

They never made a 3.8 but a 3.6 though. Good cars but not for me, I love the V12s

[@jukkaaunola5942]

A great success!!!

[@LivingWithAClassic]

Yes! 😊

[@richardp6178]

Replace the fuel injector hoses and if it still has the yellow cooling fan change it immediately for the new black one before it explodes!!

[@LivingWithAClassic]

Yes I did that say that all this will be replaced. But no point in doing any of that until it was deformed that I could run. Now just to get it on 12 and then replace a lot of things

[@xjs1983]

It would be interesting to see you do the ignition timing, especially as it has to be done at 3000 rpm. 👍

[@LivingWithAClassic]

I can film that if you wish. I got a few tricks that usually makes it pretty easy

[@xjs1983]

@@LivingWithAClassic yes please I have to do mine. That would be very helpful 👍

[@tazpoochie]

Righty tighty !

[@Beauloqs]

You can delete the downstream fuel regulator

[@mick00000000002]

You change ecu. Is there a bcm. That comicatate to each other?

[@LivingWithAClassic]

There is only an ECU. This is very old school fuel injection

[@jdmimportlogistics]

@@LivingWithAClassic Great Video! Writing from N. California where no one wants these things due to smog restrictions/fuel prices, parking, etc.. Could this ECU system be modernized using a Haltech or Microtech? Cheers

[@SparkyGage]

Are there any issues with registering/using a RHD car in Sweden?

[@LivingWithAClassic]

No issues really. I have heard that you have slightly worse visibility when driving it on this side of the road. And we’ll drive thrus are going to be difficult

[@SparkyGage]

@@LivingWithAClassic I've driven a couple short distances, but I was more curious of the legalities. Thanks

[@egbertgroot2737]

What is the best way to tell if it is running on all 12?

[@LivingWithAClassic]

An even humming sound out of each exhaust pipe. When you’ve been around these cars for a while you know what they should sounds like and what it feels like when cylinders are missing

[@egbertgroot2737]

@@LivingWithAClassic Will listen to it tomorrow. Thx

[@johnshaw359]

Jaaaaaaaaguar.

[@colingarner6175]

An American who knows how to pronounce Jaguar or as lots of Americans say Jagwar !

[@mick00000000002]

Seriously both need to commication? Out the box thanking. Sorry.

[@baldilocks1914]

Wish you were local to me!

[@LivingWithAClassic]

Thanks!