Where can I get a new engine for an XK8?

[Mon Ami Mate]

Newly acquired XK8 convertible showing 35 on the blow-by test and using lots of oil. Seller has agreed to pay for a reconditioned or replacement engine. Any idea where I can get one - preferably with a warranty?!!

[Mon Ami Mate]

I don't know that it's a nikasil problem. Could be rings, piston, valve seals...

[Mon Ami Mate]

One would assume this would lead to far more obvious symptoms than a little blue smoke and 35 on a blow-by test?!!

[Mon Ami Mate]

Just to report back on this. The engine was rebuilt by the National Engine Centre in Cardiff and returned to us last week. We've had it compression tested and blow-by tested and it is perfect. Drives beautifully. The bill was £2,300 and was paid by the dealer we bought from. Very good result!

[Mon Ami Mate]

It has a 12 month, unlimited mile guarantee. We've had it inspected and it has been given the thumbs up. And we didn't pay for it. I'll report back in 12 months!

[Mon Ami Mate]

I should add that, given the choice, I would far rather have had you rebuild the engine Paul, but the person who sold us the car was the customer - he was funding the operation - and he obviously wanted a more cost-effective solution. Swallows Jaguar tested the engine for us when it came back and the only fault they could find was a broken breather pipe, which they fixed. We have a 12 month warranty on the engine rebuild. If anything goes wrong in the next 12 months we will send it back to the National Engine Centre for them to correct it. If anything goes wrong with it after that it is our problem - we can either send it up to you and get you to rebuild it or find another engine.

[Mon Ami Mate]

So far I have to say we have no complaints about Peter's work at all. The car is performing well and is not using any oil, so we have no reason to believe this was anything other than a good solution.