Side vent draft

Our 1980 Ser III XJ6 has a draft at the driver’s feet at speed. Air vent pushed to full closed position. Thankfully the heater works well. Mechanism for air vent flap feels like it is operating smoothly. Any ideas to correct this
cold draft?

Dr. Paul
Cottonwood Az

Where does the draft come from, Paul? The vent (the flap might have been foam coated at some time), the pull-air location (from the headlamps and blocked on series3), or from elsewhere?

David

I had that same draft when I first got my Series 2.
Investigation revealed it was not the side vent (Series 2 has those) but the air boxes (I don’t know their proper name) mounted on the back of the heater fans had no more foam on the bottom flaps (top flap is open be default into ambient air from outside to feed blowers while bottom flap is default closed except in Recirculation mode), which sent cold outside air directly onto my feet.

Remedy was to remove the fans (NOT an easy job for a new Jag owner) and replace the foam so the flaps sealed correctly again.
It worked Very well, and I don’t expect any more problems for about another 40 years.
(’;’)

David,
If you want to see one of these heater blower assemblies with the flaps
and seals search eBay for “Jaguar JLM10897”. I have been parting out two
Series III XJ6 parts cars and selling items on eBay. I took some pictures
of the left and right heater blower assembles, including the flaps in the
open and closed positions. and used them in my eBay ads.

Paul

Hi Paul,
Yes, the flaps have little insulation left. I removed the blower assembly
3 yrs ago. Should have applied new foam then. Thanks for the tip.
Paul Hanson,
Cottonwood, Az

Update:
Got a change to put new foam on the heater door flaps, which work fine,
opening and closing. Now with insulation. Pull vent on the ’80 has closed
tight. But a cold draft at the driver’s left foot remains.
Checking under the dash, there is an elongated oval opening 3 by 1 inch
just lateral to the steering column which feels like it may be the culprit.
What is this opening for?
Thanks all!
Dr. Paul
1980 XJ6 Ser III “MR STEED”
1990 XJS convertible “MS PEEL"