When I bought this car (1995 XJR) 3 months ago I performed a major servicing
and, with slight reluctance, did not change the belts…as they appeared to
be in virtually perfect shape.
My poor judgment was proven a few days ago when, on a couple start-ups, I
heard a strange clattering sound from the engine bay.
The S/C belt had failed, but (to my eyes) in an unusual way. The ribbed
portion of the belt was fine…almost as-new. But the outer portion, where
you’d see the Jaguar logo and such, was delaminating from the rest of the
belt. I ordered all new belts.
Replacing them was fairly routine but I’ll admit to struggling a bit before
realizing that the tensioner pulleys need to be loosened a bit before
running the little square-tipped adjuster rods in or out. And, hex-tipped
adjusting rods, rather than square-tipped, would’ve been appreciated
The geometry of the adjuster rod for the alternator is a bit skewed,
requiring that it be removed to allow the alternator to flop inwards so the
belt could be released. Any others out there noticing this ? On reassembly I
discovered the rod fouled the S/C housing…so I lopped off a bit and that
eased the refitting somewhat.
Doug Dwyer
Longview Washington USA
1995 XJR
1988 XJS V12 Coupe
In reply to a message from Doug Dwyer sent Sun 3 Sep 2006:
I use a 1/4’’ drive entension to adjust the A/C idler. It fits the
square adjuster screw. A 1/4’’ open ended wrench is used on the
other end to turn it. I find a 6 inch extension workd well.–
The original message included these comments:
Replacing them was fairly routine but I’ll admit to struggling a bit before
realizing that the tensioner pulleys need to be loosened a bit before
running the little square-tipped adjuster rods in or out. And, hex-tipped
adjusting rods, rather than square-tipped, would’ve been appreciated
The geometry of the adjuster rod for the alternator is a bit skewed,
I was using a 1/4" open-end wrench directly on the adjuster screww…and it
was a bit awkward.
I feel a little dopey now…
Doug Dwyer
Longview Washington USA
1995 XJR
1988 XJS V12 CoupeFrom: “uncle” dbernard@qts-inc.com
In reply to a message from Doug Dwyer sent Sun 3 Sep 2006:
I use a 1/4’’ drive entension to adjust the A/C idler. It fits the
square adjuster screw. A 1/4’’ open ended wrench is used on the
other end to turn it. I find a 6 inch extension workd well.
