Is Nikasil a common problem in th US

[rebel102285]

My dad just purchased a Mercedes S600 and I now have the opportunity to purchase his 1998 XJR with 72,000 miles on it. It hasnt had any real issues that I can recall and as far as I know its always had premium run in it.

I can buy it for right around $13,000 USD (its got aftermarket wheels as well)

what do you guys think?

adam

[Jaguar steve]

Find Broardbean747s post and have a blowby check done just to be on the safe side. You need to see a figure of considerably less than 40 to confirm there's no problem

The general consensus is that if a Nicasil engine has not failed yet (here in the UK at least - I don't know the history of Sulphur levels that caused the erosion problem in US fuel) then you should be OK.

[rebel102285]

thanks,

If i could get a blowby check done i would however the nearest jag dealer is 600 miles and no-one hear will touch the thing hahaha

[rebel102285]

thanks,

If i could get a blowby check done i would however the nearest jag dealer is 600 miles and no-one hear will touch the thing hahaha

[Jaguar steve]

Ah... tiny problem then.

Have a look in the air filter box, the induction trunking to the throttle body and into the throttle body. If there's any trace of oil inside then you may potentially have a blowby problem.

[P700DEE]

Did your dad own it from new ? Did he ever get trouble starting after turning off, say to wash the car ? Did he do long or short journeys ? Had he ever had any issues regarding over heating ?
Nikasil problems are caused by short journeys, especially very short start then stop while the engine is cold. The damage is caused by Sulphuric acid from the SO2 disolving in condensed water (products of burning the fuel) and not having enough heat in the engine to drive these products out. This is made worse when the engine floods and washes any protective oil out of the bores.
If the car had issues it is most likely they would have already been seen as the States have had low Sulphur petrol since 2000 so that is eight years now that damage could not have been increasing.
Buy enjoy

[jas xjr]

take a look at roadfly.com's jaguar forum.there is a lot of us based specialist knowledge on there

[GavinPearson]

I'd go to a big Ford dealer and have them check the car out. Engine wise it is very similar to a Lincoln LS V8 or 2002 on T-bird, and the servicing procedures are similar. The main issue is leakdown but timing chains are also a worry. The Ford dealer could fix the car very easily.

The main worry isn't the use of premium fuel, it's that the journeys are short, leading to sulfuric acid collecting in the bores and eating them away.