Jaguar E-Type 3.8 & 4.2 Litre Series 1 & 2 Service Manual – FHC, Open 2-Seater & 2+2 Workshop Guide

Description

Jaguar E-Type 3.8 & 4.2 Litre Series 1 & 2 Service Manual

This Jaguar E-Type service manual is the comprehensive workshop reference for the 3.8 and 4.2 litre Grand Touring models, covering Series 1 and Series 2 cars including the Fixed Head Coupe, Open 2-Seater, and 2+2 variants. Issued by Jaguar Cars Limited, this manual provides the full range of service, repair, and overhaul procedures needed to maintain these iconic sports cars. Whether you are rebuilding an engine, overhauling the rear axle, tuning the triple SU carburetters, or chasing down a fault in the cooling system, this Jaguar E-Type 3.8 & 4.2 Litre Series 1 & 2 Service Manual gives you the procedures, data, and specifications you need.

File Details

• Manual Type: Service / Workshop Manual
• Brand: Jaguar
• Models: E-Type 3.8 & 4.2 Litre (Series 1 & 2)
• Body Styles: Fixed Head Coupe, Open 2-Seater, 2+2
• Language: English
• Format: PDF
• Publisher: Jaguar Cars Limited
• Coverage: Grand Touring Models with supplementary 4.2 Litre and 2+2 information

Chapters Covered

• General Information — Car Identification, Dimensions & Weights, Capacities, Performance Data, Operating Instructions, Instruments, Controls, Wheel Changing, Starting & Driving, Maintenance Summary, Recommended Lubricants, Conversion Tables
• Engine — Data, Routine Maintenance, Engine Removal & Refitting, Dismantling, Decarbonising & Valve Grinding, Compression Pressures, Connecting Rods & Bearings, Camshafts, Crankshaft, Crankshaft Damper & Pulley, Cylinder Block, Cylinder Head, Exhaust Manifolds, Flywheel, Ignition Timing, Inlet Manifold, Oil Filter, Oil Pump, Oil Sump, Pistons & Gudgeon Pins, Sparking Plugs, Tappets & Adjusting Pads, Timing Gear, Bottom Chain Tensioner, Valves & Springs, Valve Guides, Valve Seat Inserts, Valve Timing, Engine Mountings, Air Cleaner, Engine Stabiliser, Torsion Bar Reaction Tie Plate
• Carburetters & Fuel System — HD.8 Carburetter Description, Data, Routine Maintenance, Removal & Refitting, Tuning, Fast Idle Setting, Float Chamber Level, Centring the Jet, Fuel Pump, Fuel Tank, Fuel Tank Gauge Unit
• Cooling System — Data, Routine Maintenance, Frost Precautions, Radiator, Radiator Cowl, Header Tank, Fan Motor, Fan Motor Relay, Water Pump Belt, Thermostat, Fan Thermostatic Switch, Water Pump
• Clutch — Description, Data, Routine Maintenance, Hydraulic System, Bleeding, Flushing, Master Cylinder, Slave Cylinder, Clutch Unit (Early Cars), Diaphragm Spring Clutch (Later Cars)
• Gearbox — Data, Routine Maintenance, Removal & Refitting, Dismantling, Mainshaft, Constant Pinion Shaft, Reassembly, Synchro Assemblies, Top Cover, Rear Cover, Clutch Housing
• Propeller Shaft — Description, Routine Maintenance, Removal & Refitting, Universal Joints
• Rear Axle — Description, Data, Routine Maintenance, Axle Unit Removal, Half Shaft, Universal Joints, Rear Hub, Differential Unit, Thornton Powr-Lok Differential, Output Shafts, Pinion Adjustment, Tooth Contact
• Steering — Description, Data, Rack and Pinion

This Jaguar E-Type service manual covers the full breadth of the vehicle, from the XK twin overhead camshaft engine through the drivetrain, suspension, and steering. The manual is structured for both routine maintenance and major overhaul work, with detailed procedures for removing and refitting major components, disassembling sub-assemblies, and checking wear limits and tolerances. The engine section alone covers camshaft removal and overhaul, crankshaft removal and regrinding limits, cylinder head overhaul with valve guide and seat insert replacement, timing chain setup, and piston and connecting rod procedures. The rear axle section includes full strip-down and rebuild of the Salisbury 4HU unit with the Thornton Powr-Lok differential, output shaft end float adjustment, and pinion cone setting. The carburetter section covers tuning, float level setting, jet centring, and fuel pump servicing.

Coverage Details

This Jaguar E-Type 3.8 & 4.2 Litre Series 1 & 2 Service Manual covers the Grand Touring models with the XK type engine fitted with the “S” type cylinder head with straight ports and 3/8″ lift camshafts. Both 8:1 and 9:1 compression ratios are covered, indicated by the /8 or /9 suffix on the engine number. The manual includes supplementary information for 4.2 litre E-Type and 2+2 cars. Engine numbers with prefix R are identified with a gold-painted cylinder head. The manual covers right-hand and left-hand drive configurations, with specific notes on fluid reservoir locations and steering column arrangements for each. The gearbox section covers the four-speed unit with synchromesh on second, third, and top gears, with gearbox prefix EB and various suffix letters. Axle ratios covered include 3.07:1, 3.31:1, and 3.54:1. The manual also includes chassis number references for running changes, including improved fuel pump introduction and the change to a 9 lb/sq in radiator pressure cap.

Key Systems & Procedures

Engine work is covered in exceptional depth. The Jaguar E-Type 3.8 & 4.2 Litre Series 1 & 2 Service Manual walks through engine removal and refitting, complete dismantling, cylinder head removal and overhaul, camshaft removal and refitting with valve timing, crankshaft removal and overhaul, flywheel and clutch removal, timing gear assembly, and oil pump overhaul. Torque values are given throughout, including cylinder head nuts at 54 lb ft, main bearing bolts at 83 lb ft, connecting rod bolts at 37 lb ft, and flywheel bolts at 67 lb ft.

The cooling system section covers the cross-flow radiator, thermostatically controlled electric fan, water pump overhaul with impeller and seal replacement, thermostat testing, and fan thermostatic switch replacement. The clutch section covers both the early Borg & Beck single dry plate clutch and the later Laycock diaphragm spring clutch, with hydraulic system bleeding and flushing procedures, master and slave cylinder overhaul, and release lever adjustment.

The gearbox section provides full dismantling and reassembly procedures, including mainshaft gear end float adjustment, synchro assembly checks, layshaft end float, and constant pinion shaft overhaul. The rear axle section is particularly detailed, covering the Thornton Powr-Lok limited slip differential with its clutch plates and cross shafts, output shaft end float, pinion bearing preload, drive gear backlash, and tooth contact pattern checking.

Why This Manual Matters

For any owner or technician working on a Jaguar E-Type, having the correct procedures and specifications is essential. These cars feature complex systems — from the twin cam engine with its timing chain arrangement to the inboard rear brakes and limited slip differential — where incorrect assembly or adjustment can lead to expensive damage. This Jaguar E-Type 3.8 & 4.2 Litre Series 1 & 2 Service Manual provides the factory procedures for checking and adjusting these systems, including valve clearance settings, timing chain tensioning, synchro assembly checks, and differential setup. The routine maintenance schedules give clear intervals for oil changes, lubrication points, and component checks, helping you keep your E-Type in top condition.

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Instant PDF Delivery

The Jaguar E-Type 3.8 & 4.2 Litre Series 1 & 2 Service Manual is delivered as an instant PDF download after purchase — no shipping, no waiting. You can view it on any device, print individual pages for use in the workshop, and keep it on hand for reference whenever you are working on your car. Whether you are performing a routine service, diagnosing a fault, or undertaking a full restoration, this manual gives you the information you need to do the job correctly.