Jaguar Repair: 86 Jag Valve Tappet lockdowns, tappet guides, self tapping screws

Question
I have the 4.2 6 cyl in my car. Several people have stated on different web sites that if you hear a "sewing machine" type sound coming from the engine that the cam sliders (valve tappet guides) are loose and may damage the engine. There is supposedly a  lockdown kit for this "problem". My question would be where would I get this kit and how difficult is it to install? Also, could I remove the cam covers and inspect the guides without getting a new gasket? Should I stop driving the car until this is done? So far, the car runs fine.

PS-- thanks for the info on the gas tanks. It must be the sending unit because the gauge works fine when power touches ground.

Scott

Answer
Scott, the Jag 6 cylinder engines have had that problem all the way back to the XK-120. It is usually noted on the exhaust side and the kit to correct the problem is available from Jag parts companies like Engel Imports. They have a web site and a toll free number.

To install the kit it takes a little careful placement of the plates and drilling of the head. I have installed several versions of the kit and most now have self tapping screws to go into the holes you drill. You have to be very careful to use the exact size drill they tell you to use so the self tapping screws can cut their own threads. I have installed kits that you had to tap the hole yourself so you then needed to have a tap and die set or just purchase the tap they say to get. It is also very important to catch ALL of the drilling pieces and clean the edges of the holes so filings don't later fall off and go into the engine.

It is also important to have the sleeves fully seated first as the hold down plates can NOT be used to move the sleeves back down if they have started to come out.

If you are not comfortable doing this you should have an auto machine shop or Jag specialist do it. Don't let an average mechanic do it.

I have opened up Jag engines that had the intakes done too but the exhaust is the most trouble and I have not seen the intakes come up so I only do the exhaust side.

Howard