XJR Engine Probs ?
Discussion
The Nikasil coating problem was the case with the early XK8's. Don't know about the XJR's but it is the same engine so it could be.
Jag V8's no longer have the coating (it was dropped pretty quickly), so a car with a replacement engine can only be a good thing. (i.e. it won't have Nikasil coating.)
A quick peep at the air-filter should tell you if there's any problems with the linings.
If you're really worried I can have a word with my specialist, he may be able to give me the details of which years/cars had the nikasil coated engine.
N.B. Jaguar originally replaced or repaired them free of charge (although they kept quiet about it) but they don't anymore.
Jag V8's no longer have the coating (it was dropped pretty quickly), so a car with a replacement engine can only be a good thing. (i.e. it won't have Nikasil coating.)
A quick peep at the air-filter should tell you if there's any problems with the linings.
If you're really worried I can have a word with my specialist, he may be able to give me the details of which years/cars had the nikasil coated engine.
N.B. Jaguar originally replaced or repaired them free of charge (although they kept quiet about it) but they don't anymore.
I think any V8 model year 99 or before have these coatings. Then they were changed to steel. AFAIK if you change your oil regulary and treat it with respect when cold there should be no problems.
I heard the problem was more prevalent in America, but I also heard that UK fuel can cause problems.
I think a lot of it is down to owner negligence becuase if you don't change the oil regulary a kind of sludge appears which causes the main problems.
I'd worry more about the pre-tensioners and such
Oh and the plastic water pumps that fail but fail in a way that lets the engine overheat without indicating this on the dash.
I'll tell you what though... it's still a bloody good engine
>> Edited by schueymcfee on Saturday 8th November 17:40
I heard the problem was more prevalent in America, but I also heard that UK fuel can cause problems.
I think a lot of it is down to owner negligence becuase if you don't change the oil regulary a kind of sludge appears which causes the main problems.
I'd worry more about the pre-tensioners and such
Oh and the plastic water pumps that fail but fail in a way that lets the engine overheat without indicating this on the dash.
I'll tell you what though... it's still a bloody good engine
>> Edited by schueymcfee on Saturday 8th November 17:40
silverback mike said:
NICASIL 
I thought I had got away from that jumping from BMW's.
Bob, I would be obliged if you could check to see if my XJ8 may present with these problems.
3.2 V8 Registered 22/10/97.....
>> Edited by silverback mike on Saturday 8th November 16:58
I'll try and have a word with him on Monday, Mike.
In the meantime DON'T PANIC!
schueymcfee said:
I think any V8 model year 99 or before have these coatings. Then they were changed to steel. AFAIK if you change your oil regulary and treat it with respect when cold there should be no problems.
I heard the problem was more prevalent in America, but I also heard that UK fuel can cause problems.
I think a lot of it is down to owner negligence becuase if you don't change the oil regulary a kind of sludge appears which causes the main problems.
I'd worry more about the pre-tensioners and such
Oh and the plastic water pumps that fail but fail in a way that lets the engine overheat without indicating this on the dash.
I'll tell you what though... it's still a bloody good engine
>> Edited by schueymcfee on Saturday 8th November 17:40
Jesus...
Here's some Nikasil info from Jag Lovers:
Jaguar UK dealers are required to check V8 engines at every service interval for premature bore wear. This check is specifically for all XK and V8 XJ vehicles up to and including 1999 MY in the VIN range (last 6 digits):
XK Series 001036 - 042775
XJ Series 812256 - 878717
The check involves measuring piston ''blow-by'' using a blow-by meter. Where the blow-by exceeds 40 liters per minute, the engine needs to be replaced.
Background Information Provided by UK Dealers to Affected Customers: The AJV8 engine was introduced by Jaguar into the XK range in 1995 and into the XJ range in 1997. The engine had an aluminium block with cylinder bores coated with Nikasil (nickle silicon). This was cutting edge technology at the time and had the advantage of reducing weight and cutting down the warm up cycle.
Premature bore wear problems subsequently appeared in Nikasil engines with Jaguar, BMW and other engines affected. This is thought to be caused primarily by high sulphur petrol (gasoline) which was prevalent in the UK during the late 90s. Sulphur content can vary widely, depending on the levels in the crude oil and also the levels set by legislation in each country. In the UK, sulphur levels were reduced by law in January 2000.
Symptoms of premature bore wear are difficult cold starting. The previous Jaguar 6 cylinder engines are not affected. As a result of these problems, Jaguar introduced cast iron cylinder liners in place of plated bores for all AJV8 engines from the 2000 model year onwards.
Jaguar have been replacing engines of affected cars who fail the blow-by test under warranty at up to 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 5 years. Any remaining warranty is automatically transferred to a new owner. If an engine is replaced under warranty, the warranty on the replacement engine will be the same as the warranty remaining on the vehicle, or a period of 12 months, whichever is the greater.
Replacement engines may be identified by the presence of a re-manufactured ident label on the cylinder block just below the rear of ''A'' block cylinder head.
The best advice to owners of Nikasil engined cars would seem to be a) stick to low sulphur gasoline bought from the major oil companies (not discounted supermarket outlets). and b) do more frequent oil changes that the service schedule requires
(cheap insurance) c) keep up the Jag warranty if possible.
If you are thinking of buying one of the affected cars, check to see if the engine has already been replaced and /or insist on a blow by test before you commit yourself.
Good luck
Dave '95 XJR-6 (Phew that's a relief)
Jaguar UK dealers are required to check V8 engines at every service interval for premature bore wear. This check is specifically for all XK and V8 XJ vehicles up to and including 1999 MY in the VIN range (last 6 digits):
XK Series 001036 - 042775
XJ Series 812256 - 878717
The check involves measuring piston ''blow-by'' using a blow-by meter. Where the blow-by exceeds 40 liters per minute, the engine needs to be replaced.
Background Information Provided by UK Dealers to Affected Customers: The AJV8 engine was introduced by Jaguar into the XK range in 1995 and into the XJ range in 1997. The engine had an aluminium block with cylinder bores coated with Nikasil (nickle silicon). This was cutting edge technology at the time and had the advantage of reducing weight and cutting down the warm up cycle.
Premature bore wear problems subsequently appeared in Nikasil engines with Jaguar, BMW and other engines affected. This is thought to be caused primarily by high sulphur petrol (gasoline) which was prevalent in the UK during the late 90s. Sulphur content can vary widely, depending on the levels in the crude oil and also the levels set by legislation in each country. In the UK, sulphur levels were reduced by law in January 2000.
Symptoms of premature bore wear are difficult cold starting. The previous Jaguar 6 cylinder engines are not affected. As a result of these problems, Jaguar introduced cast iron cylinder liners in place of plated bores for all AJV8 engines from the 2000 model year onwards.
Jaguar have been replacing engines of affected cars who fail the blow-by test under warranty at up to 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 5 years. Any remaining warranty is automatically transferred to a new owner. If an engine is replaced under warranty, the warranty on the replacement engine will be the same as the warranty remaining on the vehicle, or a period of 12 months, whichever is the greater.
Replacement engines may be identified by the presence of a re-manufactured ident label on the cylinder block just below the rear of ''A'' block cylinder head.
The best advice to owners of Nikasil engined cars would seem to be a) stick to low sulphur gasoline bought from the major oil companies (not discounted supermarket outlets). and b) do more frequent oil changes that the service schedule requires
(cheap insurance) c) keep up the Jag warranty if possible.
If you are thinking of buying one of the affected cars, check to see if the engine has already been replaced and /or insist on a blow by test before you commit yourself.
Good luck
Dave '95 XJR-6 (Phew that's a relief)
Bugger, mine is right in the middle of that.
It has a full Jaguar history, which is still in date, but over the 100k.
Still on the original engine ( I think ) as nothing is written on the service book to indicate a new engine.
I think I may pop up to the dealer on Monday and have a little chat.
I really hope it doesn't go pear shaped as I made sure that the BMW I had wasn't affected by the nicasil problem, I didn't realise Jaguars had the same achilles heel.
It has a full Jaguar history, which is still in date, but over the 100k.
Still on the original engine ( I think ) as nothing is written on the service book to indicate a new engine.
I think I may pop up to the dealer on Monday and have a little chat.
I really hope it doesn't go pear shaped as I made sure that the BMW I had wasn't affected by the nicasil problem, I didn't realise Jaguars had the same achilles heel.
Mike,
Another major 'gotcha' on the XJ8 is the timing chain tensioners, if you start getting a nasty rattling especially on cold start up, don't drive it and get it to a good Jag mechanic, quick.
On the nikasil issue, I should think you're in the clear if the car is running OK some three years after the sulphur issue in petrol was resolved. Perhaps a blow by test will put your mind at rest.
Incidently, did you buy your XJ8 from a dealer located in the vicinity of Midsommer Norton on the A37?
Another major 'gotcha' on the XJ8 is the timing chain tensioners, if you start getting a nasty rattling especially on cold start up, don't drive it and get it to a good Jag mechanic, quick.
On the nikasil issue, I should think you're in the clear if the car is running OK some three years after the sulphur issue in petrol was resolved. Perhaps a blow by test will put your mind at rest.
Incidently, did you buy your XJ8 from a dealer located in the vicinity of Midsommer Norton on the A37?
Thanks Pete,
No, my timing chains must be fine, it is quiet as a mouse on cold start up, and stays that way.
Incidentally, it wouldn't start from cold the other day, but this was after a full valet where lots of water was being sloshed around, it is fine now it has dried out. (It has always started on the button)
The car was privately owned prior to me obtaining it. So it wasn't the one from a dealer.
I am working my way up to an xjr so you never know how long I will keep it.
Funny - I wanted an older 6cyl XJR, couldn't find one, and there seem to be loads for sale now. Mind you, I am as happy as larry with this one and was more than happy with the V8 as I have only heard good things about it - until now
Ta for the info Pete, I will pop into Hartwells with my service book and ask about the nicasil problems and whether my car has been tested. (Which it should have with the services bang on time!)
Mike.
No, my timing chains must be fine, it is quiet as a mouse on cold start up, and stays that way.
Incidentally, it wouldn't start from cold the other day, but this was after a full valet where lots of water was being sloshed around, it is fine now it has dried out. (It has always started on the button)
The car was privately owned prior to me obtaining it. So it wasn't the one from a dealer.
I am working my way up to an xjr so you never know how long I will keep it.
Funny - I wanted an older 6cyl XJR, couldn't find one, and there seem to be loads for sale now. Mind you, I am as happy as larry with this one and was more than happy with the V8 as I have only heard good things about it - until now
Ta for the info Pete, I will pop into Hartwells with my service book and ask about the nicasil problems and whether my car has been tested. (Which it should have with the services bang on time!)
Mike.
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