Considering an XK8 - what to look for
Discussion
J400GED said:
Also, are there any XK8 owners forums (other than here of course) that could be recommended?
Good choice of car, although better to get an RA dedicated XK8/R forum is www.xkec.co.uk
It is a members only though, but you will get a load of helpfull advice
Where in the UK are you
Just seen Lotus country !!
J400GED said:
I currently have an Esprit but fancied a more comfortable toy and one which 'er indoors would like to drive as well.
Cheers,
Ged
I purchased a Lotus Europa Twin Cam in October '71 had it for 14 yearsCheers,
Ged
Son was so upset when I sold it he has got one now and had it all rebuilt
I must of had one of the first privately owned on on the road
Announced first day, a Wednesday, of the '71 motor show
Wend down to Bell and Colville in West Horsley on the Saturday
Purchased one and it was delivered to me the next Wednesday
Built it up, to get round Purchase Tax, (before VAT)
and drove down to the local pub for a pint Sunday lunchtime
Pre year 2000 models look out for engine bore liner damage from low sulphur petrol, the liners were changed to steel. A lot of cars had a engine change to rectify this problem.
Also gearboxes, the gearbox was a so called sealed for life zero maintenance unit. This is rubbish, the oil should have been changed and can be changed on these so called sealed for life units so beware if it hasn't been done.
Get an XKR if possible, they are so much better for little extra money.
Differential wear, listen for the tale tale whine at the rear, this is a weak spot on the XKR
Also gearboxes, the gearbox was a so called sealed for life zero maintenance unit. This is rubbish, the oil should have been changed and can be changed on these so called sealed for life units so beware if it hasn't been done.
Get an XKR if possible, they are so much better for little extra money.
Differential wear, listen for the tale tale whine at the rear, this is a weak spot on the XKR
Hi Tony,
Any info would be much appreciated. On several ads I've noticed mention of the timing chain tensioners, are these a weak point as well?
Paragon Design? I'm sure I've heard of them. That photo on your profile was outside the gate at RAF Coltishall was it not? XW563 being the tail number of the plastic Jag.
Ged
Any info would be much appreciated. On several ads I've noticed mention of the timing chain tensioners, are these a weak point as well?
Paragon Design? I'm sure I've heard of them. That photo on your profile was outside the gate at RAF Coltishall was it not? XW563 being the tail number of the plastic Jag.
Ged
Hi Tony,
Any info would be much appreciated. On several ads I've noticed mention of the timing chain tensioners, are these a weak point as well?
Paragon Design? I'm sure I've heard of them. That photo on your profile was outside the gate at RAF Coltishall was it not? XW563 being the tail number of the plastic Jag.
Ged
Any info would be much appreciated. On several ads I've noticed mention of the timing chain tensioners, are these a weak point as well?
Paragon Design? I'm sure I've heard of them. That photo on your profile was outside the gate at RAF Coltishall was it not? XW563 being the tail number of the plastic Jag.
Ged
It is a car, that once you have the taste for, nothing else quite hits the spot. It is effortless and smooth, it is supposed to be. Flex your ankle and you hit the horizon.
From experience, go in with your eyes open and you shouldn't go too far wrong. There are a lot of god books about the X100 XK, well worth investing in.
Up to a date in 2001, failing Nikasil cylinder lining was a problem? IMPO the cars that failed were fed on supermarket fuels, didn't cover many miles and were used for short run commuting, which is ruinous. Most of these cars either didn't fail and aren't at risk of doing so now, or had replacement engines fitted by Jaguar, which should not put you off, quite the reverse. From the key date in 2001, al engines had steel liners.
Timing chain tensioners were initially plastic and had a high failure rate. There was a second generation, also not good, but from 2002 model (not, as people will tell you, the 4.2 engine) third gen steel type were used. These are reckoned to have solved the problem. Upper and lower tensioners need to be done.
Water pump had plastic impeller blades which were prone to break. Change to later steel type, and change the thermostat at the same time.
Gearbox is 'sealed for life' [w
ker smilie:] change after 50k miles. Presumably same applies to supercharger oil in the R.
Corrosion protection on the cars in pretty good, but if it has had a smash, that tends to allow problems to start. Plus, all the superficial stuff underneath, suspension components, wheel arch lips, seams, get spotted and start to rust if they are not caught.
The 4.0 model had a flange on the underside of the footwell for some manufacturing reason, which was folded flat and under sealed over. This created a trap for dirt which in turn led to rusting which spreads to the floor pan. Have I seen hundreds of these? Yes. Have I seen any 4.0's which didn't need the floor pans cut out? No.
Some walnut veneer dashes go cloudy.
Cars very prone to malfunction if the battery is not kept charged up.
There are plenty of abused tatty ones. They will cost a fortune to get right. Don't be tempted, get an immaculate one, and IMHO, pay for an expert inspection and be prepared to use your own critical senses as to what is going on.
Get these issues seen to and you will have a superb car. Personally I really like the look of the early cars, particularly the XKR.
From experience, go in with your eyes open and you shouldn't go too far wrong. There are a lot of god books about the X100 XK, well worth investing in.
Up to a date in 2001, failing Nikasil cylinder lining was a problem? IMPO the cars that failed were fed on supermarket fuels, didn't cover many miles and were used for short run commuting, which is ruinous. Most of these cars either didn't fail and aren't at risk of doing so now, or had replacement engines fitted by Jaguar, which should not put you off, quite the reverse. From the key date in 2001, al engines had steel liners.
Timing chain tensioners were initially plastic and had a high failure rate. There was a second generation, also not good, but from 2002 model (not, as people will tell you, the 4.2 engine) third gen steel type were used. These are reckoned to have solved the problem. Upper and lower tensioners need to be done.
Water pump had plastic impeller blades which were prone to break. Change to later steel type, and change the thermostat at the same time.
Gearbox is 'sealed for life' [w
ker smilie:] change after 50k miles. Presumably same applies to supercharger oil in the R.Corrosion protection on the cars in pretty good, but if it has had a smash, that tends to allow problems to start. Plus, all the superficial stuff underneath, suspension components, wheel arch lips, seams, get spotted and start to rust if they are not caught.
The 4.0 model had a flange on the underside of the footwell for some manufacturing reason, which was folded flat and under sealed over. This created a trap for dirt which in turn led to rusting which spreads to the floor pan. Have I seen hundreds of these? Yes. Have I seen any 4.0's which didn't need the floor pans cut out? No.
Some walnut veneer dashes go cloudy.
Cars very prone to malfunction if the battery is not kept charged up.
There are plenty of abused tatty ones. They will cost a fortune to get right. Don't be tempted, get an immaculate one, and IMHO, pay for an expert inspection and be prepared to use your own critical senses as to what is going on.
Get these issues seen to and you will have a superb car. Personally I really like the look of the early cars, particularly the XKR.
Edited by cardigankid on Thursday 13th December 23:54
dafeller said:
Hello XKRacer! How much is the fellow with the red coupe looking for? And what are we calling "TLC"?
I am interested!
He was looking for around the 4K mark but would take an offer.I am interested!
From what I understand some paintwork is required as the lacquer is peeling but if you want more info send me an email
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