Hey folks...I just resurrected the XJ6 and it now moves under it's own power. This means that the 928 gets one of the 2 coveted garage spaces. I put it up on jack stands AND ramps (can't be too safe) and did a proper cleaning and inspection. I am also thinking of pulling the front shrouds to peek in at the timing components. The hood insulation was dropping so much junk on the engine that I just put a drop cloth down and scraped it off.
From underneath, I found evidence that some dummy tried jacking in the wrong place. the "rails" are still good, but not pristine as I first thought. The BOGE shocks in the back are probably gone. and there is a link on the passenger rear that is bent slightly. There seems to be a "gouge" in the at end of the passenger frame rail. I have no idea how THAT could have happened and I am guessing some kind of road debris while traveling backwards at a high speed. WTF??? The bolts on the CV's look buggered and I think I should replace em. I may be dropping the tranny anyway because....
The intermittent, annoying sound that I hoped was an exhaust rattle from up close and beneath seems to be coming from the Torque tube. I guess I will have the fun and excitement of doing THAT. I can hardly wait.
It didn't present as a grinding, or marbles rolling around but sounds more like an intermittent pinging... In retrospect it does sound a little like 1 marble....Anyhow once you are under there it gets pretty clear that it is coming from up above the exhaust. I will have to stethoscope the TT or use the screwdriver in the ear thing to be sure. I am thinking of the Kit rather than mailing the whole thing off to be rebuilt. Anyone who has an opinion...well..let me know. In either event I need to be looking around for a good transmission jack.
The trunk now opens. The butter knife, shims and struggling are a stupid idea. Ten minutes with the drill straight through the plate and the deed is done. The mechanism is out now and I will have to switch the cylinders. The interior cleaned up nicely and my brother has been tasked with putting all the back panels in order.
RHJames: Sorry 2 say the 928 just got up there and I am thinking that the refresh/ rebuild will take a bit. Additionally, I might have to run off to CA to take care of a few things so I can't be there. Possibly next time around. However...My Brother will probably be interested and it IS his car as well....I will let him know.