E-Type Engine Out Time

Last month was again focused on the Jaguar, as the complete front suspension had to be removed to allow replacement of the wishbone inner bushes. A block of wood on the hydraulic trolley was used to raise the upright to allow access for a large ball joint splitter to free the top wishbone ball joint taper, which always releases with a resounding bang.

The trolley could then be lowered, releasing the tension on the suspension torsion bar and enabling the upright to be removed. This was followed by the torsion bar that's located with splines front and rear.

It was a simple task to remove the five bolts in the top wishbone retaining brackets, noting the position where the camber adjustment shims were located. The old urethane bushes could then be removed and a vice was used to press in the new rubber ones, then the brackets and wishbone refitted. Bolts that also hold the side frame to the picture frame retain the front bracket for the lower wishbone on the E-Type. So I decided to see if I could remove the wishbone by just removing the rear bracket, an operation that proved successful. A bolt and washers were used to slide the new rubber bush into the bracket and after replacing the rear bush the lower wishbone was refitted.

I was very pleased with the geared starter motor I’d fitted to the Stag and consequently wanted to replace the E-Type's old original starter motor with a high torque unit I‘d purchased from David Manners. Although the manual advised it was possible swap a starter motor with the engine in place, looking at its location below the carbs and partially in the transmission tunnel it seemed that removing the engine was the easiest solution and would have the added advantage of being able to replace the gearbox seals which had developed a small leak requiring regular oil top up.