Less show, more go
Grant has big plans to get the most out of his Jaguar this year, but first it needs a service and some TLC
1965 JAGUAR Mk2
Mechanically the Mk2 has given few problems over the years and it certainly benefits from its annual service, but lack of use last year has left me with a dilemma – should an oil change after just 500 miles even be considered?
I decided not. The fresh 7.5 litres of classic lubrication poured in 12 months ago remains clean on the dipstick and has yet to require a top-up. The spark plugs will enjoy a wire brush and re-gap, but one item I hadn’t replaced recently was the fuel filter. Attached to the offside inner wing, it comprises a simple round paper element housed in a glass bowl. A fresh rubber seal should be supplied also and it’s a £10, tenminute job to clean out the bowl, refit and check for leaks.
Levels were checked for the rear axle and steering box, plus clutch and brake fluid and, finally, this light service concludes with the ‘nipple hunt’ – the grease variety of which the Jag has about a dozen, mostly up front.
A small hospital visit in November has prevented me from tackling those annual tasks normally reserved for winter months, one of which is the bottom ball joints. The slight play mentioned during a previous MoT is still apparent even after several attempts to eliminate it, so before spring arrives my ever-growing selection of ‘shims’ could be put to good use.
Fresh powder coat for the wire wheels and new tyres are pencilled in for next winter, but my goal for this season is to cease polishing and spend more time in the driver’s seat. A leap into the world of classic touring is one option, and I plan to look further afield for events to enjoy.
The bowl appears clean, but best not neglect the fuel filter, and its important rubber seal.
One date is my diary is 24 May, when a convoy of more than 100 Jags (organised by JaguarForumsUK.com) will depart Pease Pottage Services en route to Denbie’s Wine Estate near Dorking. An early start will allow participants to appreciate the empty roads on the Surrey Hills. Another visit to Stansted Park in Hampshire is most likely this year; the Nostalgia Show (27-28 June) impressed in 2019 while offering some great driving roads along the way. Regular gatherings like the Wiston Steam Rally and SADCASE shows are always on my ‘to do’ list, and September sees vintage and moderns assemble at the Shere Hillclimb near Guilford, before I head across the Solent for the Isle of Wight Classic Extravaganza.
The plan for 2020 is to take the ‘touring’ option, making sure to enjoy the journey as much as the event. This should justify the £50 of classic oil I will replace next winter.