I'm back! - The build up - part 1 - spark plugs, thermostat, alternator and waterpump

It has been a while! And I have been surprised to see that my blog still got many visitors globally during my absence. Judging on the stats it seems like the majority does like the "technical" blog updates. Reason for my absence is due to a variety of things on which I will not bother you. Now I finally have a bit more time on my side I want to get the XJS roadworthy again. So last week I made the first order with SNG Barratt for some parts to build it up again. Last time I checked they did not had the refurbished waterpump on stock. This time around they ran out of the complete hosekit. So now I have to wait till mid January untill they are on stock again. Which is okayish as I still need to have some parts sandblasted and powdercoated. So earlier this week the parts arrived under our Christmas tree.

And today I made a start. In fact last week I wanted to started already with new spark plugs so I went to the local carshop. Turns out these were not available and rarely used. So I had these included in my SNG Barrat order.

These are Denso T22EP-U, part nr EBC4021

It makes sense to replace them now, mostly because the aircopump is removed, so the front ones are easy accessible.

And they look a bit rusty now as well.

But on closer inspection it seems like the new spark plug is slightly longer on the ignition part, sorry, it's not really visible on the photo. The old spark plug is a NGK R BR7EF.

So I checked on the Denso website and found out a different spark plug is being used for the 1st HE model (1982-1985).

http://www.globaldenso.com/cgi-bin/global/plug/au/4w/plug.cgi?action=search&filename=4w-29.txt

Effectively the only difference is in the Iridium power T20 vs T22

XJ-S	5.3L		HE V12	1982.1	1985.1	T20EP-U/T20EPR-U	IT20	VT20	0.8
XJ-S	5.3L		HE V12	1986	1999.9	T22EP-U	IT22	-	0.8

Apart from that no other differences. Still I'm unsure about the correct length. The NGK is slightly shorter though. Need to look into this later. For now I parked this job.

So on to the next job, replacing the thermostat. Part nr EBC3576 and a new gasket with Part nr C33281.

The old one definately needs replacement. It's a relative cheap item and makes sense to replace it now since it's easily accessible. On closer inspection it no longer closes properly. For demonstrating purposes I put it on top of the white box. You now can see clearly through it. The white inner circle at the plunger is clearly visible. So good choice to have it replaced:

The old thermostat is making using of some kind of plastic floater on the air bleed hole.

While the newer version is having a small ball clamped in a holder.

And just another photo for comparison.

The location of the Thermostat holder

The housing removed and cleaned off the old gasket

And putting the new thermostat in. Note that the airbleeding hole needs to be on top. The Thermostat is also marked with "TOP". Click the picture to enlarge:

Another photo with more distance

New gasket and adding the housing back (of course, cleaned and sanded):

This was a very easy task and very rewarding.

Next item is putting the revised altenator back on.
(see blog https://erwinxjs.blogspot.com/2018/06/alternator.html).
Another simple task with only 2 bolts and 2 wires to connect up.

And adding the new belt. I figure this must be quite an expensive job is this one snaps as it requires all other belts to be removed first. Must be a nasty job. But in my case all is open and easy accessible.
Using the tensioner to firm it up. Not sure what is an appropiate measure for the right tension on the belt. Hope it's fine though.

Next job is placing the new waterpump. Again a clever job to do now as all is open. Besides I noticed a very slight movement meaning a potential bearing issue coming up. If not then I consider it preventive maintenance.

Old and new, front side:

Old and new, rear side:

Removing old gasket,dirt and the cleaned it with sandpaper:

And putting the new waterpump in place. I did very little cleaning on the front side of the engine, it was almost entirely black/greasy. This shiny new pump looks a bit out of place now. But once all other parts are build up it's likely hardly visibile though.

That's it for today. I still need to sort out the new aircopump. get some parts sandblasted and powdercoated, order some other parts I overlooked. and still need to do some paint spraying. Hopefully that can all be arranged in the coming 2 or 3 weeks. Fingers crossed.