1
2
HANDBOOK OF INSTRUCTIONS
FOR THE
JENSEN C-V8
This handbook is published for the use and assistance
of owners of JENSEN CARS. It embodies in a concise form the
advice and suggestions of the Company’s
Technical Staff in regard to lubrication, general care and
maintenance, together with supplementary information regarding
the necessary adjustments which may be required
from time to time.
COMPILED AND PUBLISHED BY
JENSEN MOTORS LIMITED
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND
Telephone: West Bromwich 2041 (10 lines)
Telegrams: Expert T elex: 33526
The Chassis Serial Number will be found on the identification plate
fixed to the front of the scuttle, and also on the underside of the
companion box lid.
N.B. The full Chassis Serial Number must be quoted in all
correspondence.
3
VEHICLE PARTICULARS
CHASSIS NO ..........................................................................
ENGINE No .............................................................................
KEY Nos.:
Ignition, Shroud and Door .....................................................
Boot and Cubby Locker.........................................................
REGISTRA TION No................................................................
ORIGINAL DA TE OF
DELIVERY FROM WORKS ....................................................
4
Foreword
The Jensen C-V8 is designed and built to high standards of precision
and quality . Every car when it leaves the works has been thoroughly tested
and adjusted by experts.
However, in order that the car may give the utmost satisfaction, it should
receive adequate care and attention, and for this reason the instructions
given in this handbook should be observed.
In compiling this handbook some knowledge of the operation and
care of a motor car have been pre-supposed. All descriptions of
position are relative to the driver’s seat.
It is the aim and ambition of Jensen Motors Limited that every owner
shall be completely satisfied. For this reason, Jensen dealers are
chosen with particular care, and can be relied upon to carry out any
servicing or repairs.
Alternatively, the Jensen Service Department at West Bromwich is
always at the disposal of any owner, and all communications in
connection with service matters should be addressed to the Service
Manager.
JENSEN MOTORS LIMITED
5
Contents
VEHICLE P ARTICULARS 3
Foreword 4
Contents 5
General Dimensions and Data 6
Instuments & Controls 7
Controls and Instruments 8
Start Up and Running Hints 10
Engine Lubrication System 12
Lubrication & Maintenance 14
Fuel System & Carburettor 17
Ignition 20
Distributor 20
Cooling System 21
T ransmission 22
Steering & Suspension 24
Brakes 25
Wheels & Tyres 27
Wheel Changing & Jacking System 27
Bodywork 28
Cabin Heating & V entilation Systems 30
Electrical System 31
Lights 33
T ool Kit 35
Equipment 36
Service Lubrication 37
Rec. Lubricants For Jensen C-V8 40
Index 41
6
General Dimensions and Data
The chassis number will be found stamped on a plate secured to the underside of
companion box lid and on a plate secured to the front of the scuttle. This number is also
stamped on the front of the chassis frame front cross member. The engine number is
stamped on the L.H. bank of the cylinder block immediately forward of No. 1 Cylinder.
Cylinders are numbered as follows :—
R.H. Bank Front to Rear 2-4-6-8 L.H. Bank Front to
Rear 1-3-5-7
Bore 108 mm. (4.25 ins.)
Stroke 86 mm. (3.375 ins.)
Cubic Capacity 6,276 cc. (383 cu. ins.)
B.H.P. 330 at 4,600 r.p.m.
Compression Ratio 10.1
Firing Order 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2
Coolant Capacity
including Heater 32 pints (Imp.), 38 pints (U.S.), 18.2 litres
Oil Sump Capacity 8 pints (Imp.), 10 pints (U.S.), 4.7 litres including Filter.
(Dipstick top level must not be exceeded).
Engine Oil Pressure at 40/50 m.p.h. 45/65 p.s.i Gearbox Capacity :
Automatic 17 pints (Imp.), 20 pints (U.S.), 9.5 litres
Manual 6 pints (Imp.), 7 pints (U.S.), 3.3 litres
Rear Axle Capacity 3 pints (Imp.), 3.6 pints (U.S.), 1.705 litres
Fuel Tank Capacity 16 galls. (Imp.), 19 galls. (U.S.), 72 litres
OVERALL GEAR RATIOS:
Automatic 1st 7. 5 : 1
2 nd 4.44 : 1
3 rd 3.07 : 1
Reverse 6.74 : 1
Manual 1 s t 8.16 : 1
2 nd 5.86 : 1
3 rd 4.26 : 1
To p 3.07 : 1
Reverse 7.92 : 1
Tyres Dunlop 6.70 x 15 Road Speed
Tyre Pressure 24 p.s.i. (1.68 kg./sq. cm.) all round (see Notes on Wheels and
Tyres)
Wheelbase 8 ft. 9 ins. (2.667 metres)
Track (Static laden
weight) : Front : 4 ft.7-13/16 ins. (1.417 metres)
Rear: 4 ft. 8-7/8 ins. (1.445 metres)
Toe-in (Static laden
weight) : 1/16
ins. (1.5875 mm.)
Camber (Static laden
weight) : 1° pos.
Castor Angle (Static
laden weight) : 2° pos.
King Pin Inclination 6° 30'
Centre of Gravity 49 ins. (124.46 cm.) aft of front axle
Overall Width 5 ft. 7 ins, (1.714 metres)
Overall Height 4 ft. 7 ins. (1.397 metres)
Overall Length 15 ft. 3-1/2 ins. (4.686 metres)
Ground Clearance 5-3/8 ins. (14.6 cm.)
Turning Circle 38 ft. (11.592 metres)
Weight (dry) 29 cwt. (1473.2 kilogrammes)
Steering Ratio 17.2:1 (3.3 turns, lock to lock)
IGNITION TIMING 10° before T.D.C. at 500 r.p.m.
CONTACT BREAKER .014 ins. to .019 ins. (.35 mm. to .48 mm ) GAP
SPARK PLUGS Champion J10Y. Gap .035 ins. (.89 mm.)
VAL VE CLEARANCES Zerolash. No adjustment required
OIL SUMP CAPACITY It is important that sump should not be filled above the high level mark on the
dipstick, other-wise functioning of zerolash tappets may be impaired
7
8
Controls and Instruments
Pedals
On cars fitted with automatic transmission, only two pedals are used in driving the car. The righthand pedal controls the accelerator, and the centre, broad pedal, the brake. The left hand pedal
operates the dipswitch and provides a footrest. With the manual gearbox the pedal controls follow
the conventional arrangement.
Handbrake
The handbrake is centrally located and operates self adjusting mechanical brakes on the rear discs
only. A thumb-operated ratchet release is incorporated in the handle.
Steering Wheel
The 17" steering wheel is adjustable on its shaft, to suit individual requirements. Adjustment is effected
by the black sleeve immedi-ately below the wheel. The sleeve is loosened by turning it in a clockwise
direction. When loose, the steering wheel can be moved up or down to the desired position, and relocked by turning the sleeve anti-clockwise. (There are four holes toward the lower end of the sleeve,
and 3/16
" Tommy bar may be used in these if necessary).
Ignition and Starter Switch
The ignition and starter are both controlled by a single switch with a removable key.
Turning the key clockwise switches on the ignition circuit and the ammeter, fuel gauge, and water
temperature indicator. Turning the key further clockwise against spring pressure will operate the
starter motor. As soon as the engine starts the key should be released.
Choke
The carburettor incorporates an automatic choke (See Starting-up section on page ).
Cigar Lighter
The cigar lighter is operated by pushing it in as far as it will go. After approximately 10 seconds it will
pop out, and is then hot enough for use.
Fan Switch
The three-position fan switch controls the two speed heater fan (See Heating Section page ).
Panel Light Switch
The three-position panel light switch controls the panel lights giving two levels of illumination. The
panel lights are in circuit with the main lighting switch, and will not work until the sidelights are on.
Main Light Switch
The sidelights and headlights are controlled by a three-position switch on the facia. In the half-way
position it will bring on the sidelights, and in the fully down position the headlights. Once the headlights
are on, high or low beam should be selected by the foot dipper switch.
The headlights may be flashed by pulling backwards on the direction indicator lever.
The Direction Indicators
The direction indicators are operated by a lever on the right of the steering wheel. To indicate a turn,
the lever should be moved the same way as the steering wheel. The direction indicators are selfcancelling after the turn has been completed. A visual indication is given to the driver by the green light
on the facia. Pulling backwards on the lever flashes the headlights.
Windscreen Wipers and Washer
A dual purpose switch on the facia controls the windscreen wipers and washer. If the switch is turned
clockwise to the first position, the wipers will operate at normal speed : turning it further increases
the speed of the wipers. The higher speed should not be used on a drying screen, as this will overload
the motor. The wipers are self-parking when switched off. The windscreen washer, which is of the electric
type, is operated by pressing the knob of the wiper switch.
Gear Selector and Indicator
(Automatic transmission only)
The gear selector and indicator are
mounted on the steering column. Five positions are marked on the indicator R N D 2 1. The
engine can only be started when the lever is the “N” position (See Starting and Driving Section
pages ).
9
Clock
The electric clock is set by the knurled knob on the bezel, which should be pushed in to engage the
hands. If necessary, the clock may be regulated by turning the small screw head in the bezel, clockwise
to retard, and anti-clockwise to advance.
Map Light Switch
A Map light is fitted in the upper facia roll above the left hand face-level ventilator and is controlled by
a swi tch on the f acia marked “map”.
Face-level Air Booster Switch
The switch marked “Air” on the facia operates a fan which increases the fresh air output at face
level.
Rear Demist Switch and Warning Light
This switch controls the electrically heated back light. (The current to the rear light is cut off when the
engine cooling fans come into operation, so the demist warning light goes out, and comes on again
when the fans cut out).
Re-fuel switch
The re-fuel switch automatically unlocks the fuel filler flap on the left hand rear wing. Should the
solenoid fail, the flap can be opened manually from inside the luggage boot. (See Fuel System
section page ).
Horn Push
The twin horns are operated by the push button in the centre of the steering wheel.
Selectaride Switch
The Selectaride switch on the transmission tunnel controls the settings of the rear dampers. Four
settings are available, from SOFT up to 4. The harder settings should be used for high speeds, or
when the car is fully laden. The switch works in a CLOCKWISE direction only, and should not be used
unless the ignition is switched on.
Revolution Counter
The revolution counter has a red sector from 5100 RPM to 6000 RPM and engine speeds in this
sector should not be sustained. Maximum engine power is developed at 4600 RPM, so no advantage
will be gained by over-revving the engine. There is a low-fuel warning light in the rev-counter face. This
glows continually when 3 gallons only remain in the tank.
Speedometer
The speedometer incorporates trip recorder and odometer. To set the trip, the knob to the right of
the steering column and below the facia should be pressed upwards and turned anti-clockwise.
In the speedometer face is a high-beam warning light which glows when the headlamps are in the
raised position.
Ammeter
The ammeter indicates the charging or discharging rate of the battery. Under normal running
conditions a small charging rate is indicated. On starting the engine, the ammeter will indicate a high
charge rate for a short time, and then fall to suit the battery condition.
Oil Pressure Gauge
The oil pressure gauge operates only when the engine is running, and should indicate a pressure of
45-65 p.s.i. under normal conditions.
Coolant T emperature Indicator
The coolant temperature indicator operates only when the ignition is on. Under normal running
conditions, the instrument pointer should be within the white band on the scale. If the pointer enters
the red band—H—the cause should be investigated. DO NOT remove the radiator cap when the
engine is hot. (See Cooling section on page ).
Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge indicates the petrol level in the tank shortly after the ignition is switched on.
10
Starting Up and General Running Hints
ENGINE RUNNING-IN PERIOD
It is not necessary to drive the new car at consistently low speeds during the first few hundred miles
of operation. Precision manu-facturing methods and improved design make it possible to begin
driving in a normal manner.
While speeds in excess of 50 miles an hour should be avoided for the first 300 miles, occasional
spurts up to this speed (after the engine is warmed) will materially assist the “running-in” process.
After 300 miles of driving, occasional bursts of higher speed are not only permissible but desirable.
The new car should not, however, be operated at top speed until if has been driven at least 500
miles. High speed should always be avoided until the engine is warmed up to operating temperature.
During the “running-in” period it is extremely important to keep close watch on the engine oil level
and the panel instruments—especially the temperature and oil pressure gauges. Sustained high
engine speed should be avoided during early life of the new car so that all parts will become adjusted
to their position without excess friction and heat.
The observance of these precautions will be reflected later on in the prolonged life of the car. Under
this heading, lubrication is by far the most important item. Many troubles are directly traceable to lack
of proper lubrication and owners will be well repaid by giving careful attention to the lubrication diagram.
The engine attains maximum power at 4,600 r.p.m., and 5,200 r.p.m. should not be exceeded.
The illustration on page 6 shows the general arrangement of controls. The following points should
be observed in starting the engine.
STARTING THE ENGINE
It is essential to ensure that the handbrake is applied before starting the engine, as the
automatic carburetter system will cause the engine to run at a fairly fast idle speed on initial starting
from cold.
On cars with automatic transmission, move the gear range selector lever to neutral, quadrant position
“N”. The engine cannot be started unless the selector lever is in this position.
FOR ST ARTING FROM COLD
Depress the accelerator pedal slowly to one third of its travel and allow it to return to closed
position before starting the engine.
Turn ignition key to extreme right to operate starter. When engine fires, release key. The engine
should start immediately.
NOTE—Do not pump accelerator pedal. If engine does not start because of excess fuel in
cylinders, push accelerator pedal slowly to full open and operate starter while keeping pedal
depressed.
The fuel mixture is automatically adjusted to provide for easy engine starting and for the warming
up and operating periods.
GEARBOX OPERA TION
The automatic gearbox is more than just a mechanism which automatically adjusts the gear ratios
according to conditions of speed and load. An overriding control is provided which enables the driver
to exercise his own judgement and desire in regard to the gear ratios to be selected and an
understanding of what is possible greatly enhances the pleasure to be derived from driving the car.
The gearbox provides three forward speeds, Neutral and Reverse. The control quadrant is marked
as follows :—
RND 2 1
The following indicates the gears obtained in each range :
“1” 1st only (Maximum permissible 48 m.p.h.)
1st and 2nd (Maximum permissible 82 m.p.h.) “D” 1st, 2nd and top
“N” Neutral
“R” Reverse
There is one ‘gate’ position for reverse only.
To change into reverse press the button in the end of the gear lever.
TO DRIVE AWAY
If the driver so desires, he can leave everything to the automatic gearbox and gear changes will occur
at the theoretically correct moment in terms of speed and load. Obviously, however, road or traffic
conditions may be such that the automatic gear change may be undesirable, and it is for this reason
that the overriding controls are provided to enable the driver to enforce a gear change as and when
11
desired.
The driver should, therfore, first familiarise himself with the approximate speeds at which the automatic
changes occur. These are as follows :
D Range
Up-changes (m.p.h.)
1-2 2-top
Light Throttle 11 15
Full Throttle 40 76
The owner-driver who wishes occasionally to indulge in a very fast get-away will obtain maximum
acceleration by allowing the automatic gearbox to make full throttle changes throughout the speed
range.
The automatic down-change at light throttle will normally occur at the following speed :
Top to 1st direct 8 m.p.h.
Under “Kick-down” conditions down changes occur at speeds below the following limits :
Top to 1 st 37 m.p.h.
Top to 2 nd 68 m.p.h.
Caution must be observed when making a “Kick-down” change at speeds below 32 m.p.h. in view
of the sudden surge of power engendered.
MANOEUVRING
When manoeuvring, “D” should be selected for forward movement. Reverse gear can be selected
whilst vehicle is in forward motion but only below 17 m.p.h.
MOUNT AIN DRIVING
When driving in mountainous country or with heavy loads, the 2 or 1 position should be selected on
upgrades which require heavy throttle for half a mile or more. Lower ratios reduce the possibility of
overheating the transmission and converter under these con-ditions. The 1 position is for severe
operation or to obtain better control or for operation in descending a steep hill.
IDLING
Neutral (“N”) should be selected when it is necessary to idle the engine for an extended period.
COASTING
Coasting must be avoided at all times, otherwise the gearbox may suffer serious damage due to lack
of lubrication.
TOWING
Transmission Inoperative. The vehicle should be towed with a rear end pick-up or remove the propeller
shaft.
Transmission Operating Properly. The vehicle may be towed safely in “N” (neutral) at moderate
speeds. For long distance towing (over 100 miles) the propeller shaft should be removed.
PUSH ST ARTING
If the engine fails to start in the normal manner, it may be started by pushing the car. Towing is not
recommended due to the sudden surge of power when the engine starts. Turn the ignition on, then
engage 1 (low) position and depress the accelerator pedal slightly; after the vehicle has been pushed
to a speed of 15 to 25 m.p.h. (approximately), the transmission will drive the engine.
12
Optional Manual Transmission
The change speed arrangement being conventional, it is not proposed to describe the method of
engaging and changing gear, but a plan showing the gear lever positions is shown above.
Clutch
The clutch is hydraulically operated and normally requires no adjustment. If attention is required the
work should be carried out by an officially appointed Jensen Distributor or Dealer.
Engine Lubrication System
The engine lubrication system comprises an externally mounted rotor-type pump, a full flow oil filter
connected to the pump by flexible pipes, engine sump, and various lubrication passages.
Oil is drawn from the sump through a fine mesh gauze strainer, and delivered to the bearings, via the oil
filter, under pressure from the pump. Uniform pressure is maintained by a relief valve in the pump.
The valve gear is lubricated by oilways through the cam-shaft, while the gudgeon-pins are splash
lubricated.
The oil level should be checked daily by means of the dipstick, which is on the left hand side of the
engine. Oil should be added via the filler cap on the left hand bank of cylinders.
Draining the Sump
The engine oil should be changed every 4,000 miles (or 3 months) (Every 2,000 miles if a great deal
of driving is done in heavy traffic or in very cold conditions).
The oil should be drained when the engine is warm. The drain plug is in the bottom of the sump.
Changing the Filter
The engine oil filter element should be changed with the engine oil with every second change. The
filter is mounted high up on the left hand side of the engine, and is connected to the pump by two
flexible pipes.
The element is changed by undoing the hexagonal nut on top of the filter housing. This will allow the
top of the housing to be removed, and the filter element withdrawn.
Before the new element is inserted, the housing, especially the top rim, should be wiped clean. A
new gasket should be used every time the element is changed.
After the fitting of a new filter element, the car should be run for a few miles and then the top joint of
the filter inspected for leaks. If necessary the hexagonal nut should be retightened.
13
Loading...