Are the cam covers on all Jaguar XK in-line sixes interchangeable?

[LDO]

Can the early chrome cam covers replace the ugly, ribbed cam covers on later engines? 

[Ace-Garageguy]

Yes (through '87 engines of the original 1948 design).

The "chrome" cam covers are actually polished cast aluminum.

Edited December 8, 2020 by Ace-Garageguy

[LDO]

I wondered if you might weigh in on this. 

Would you happen to know where I could find an old 3.4??

[Ace-Garageguy]

11 hours ago, LDO said:

...Would you happen to know where I could find an old 3.4??

Possibly. One of the shops I work with these days has a pretty good stockpile of older Jag bits.

The owner and his son are hardcore old-Jag enthusiasts, have nicely restored several, and I believe they still have some in their own collection.

I'll be there this PM, and I'll ask.

[LDO]

Wow. Thanks!

[sfhess]

The later AJ6 (1984-up) cam covers probably don't fit the earlier engines

[Ace-Garageguy]

2 hours ago, sfhess said:

The later AJ6 (1984-up) cam covers probably don't fit the earlier engines

Correct.

Which is specifically why I said "through '87 engines of the original 1948 design".

The original 1948 design, known as "XK", was fitted to the US spec XJ-6 through 1987 in 4.2 liter displacement. I have two. 

In other markets, the "XK" engine lasted through 1992 in the Daimler DS420.

Edited December 8, 2020 by Ace-Garageguy

[sfhess]