Shmokin'!

Author
Discussion

XJR420

Original Poster:

95 posts

227 months

Friday 29th July 2005
quotequote all
Morning All,

Thought I'd air my little concern.

Took my XJR8 out for quite a 'spirited' drive last night (about 20 miles)and when I stopped noticed some smoke coming out from under the bonnet. On closer inspection it appeared to be oil burning off the exhaust to the rear of the engine.

I drove home (very carefully!) and no smoke appeared.

Drove to work this morning (20 mile motorway drive) and there appeared to be a small amount of smoke when I opened the bonnet which soon cleared.

I checked the oil when it was cold and it was on full. It was the first time that I've really given her some 'welly' since it was serviced, although this was in December (my fiancee doesnt enjoy the experience as much as me!). So, I'm hoping that it was over full of oil and has blown some out of some sort of relief valve.

Any comment or other ideas would be very welcome!

laurieb

72 posts

232 months

Friday 29th July 2005
quotequote all
Hi XJR,

Probable cause is cam cover gaskets which when aged are known to weep esp at the rear. Not a huge job but not exactly cheap either as a lot of b*llox has to come off to get at 'em. This per Jagman at Racing Green.

For what it's worth my car will react to an oil overfill by smoking from the exhasut esp on startup. So far no gasket weeps.

Hope this helps ..

Cheers,

LB

XJR420

Original Poster:

95 posts

227 months

Friday 29th July 2005
quotequote all
Cheers for that Laurie, sounds re-assuring. I can't see any signs of leaks so will probably leave for now and keep an eye on it, get it addressed at next service (December). Whats your view?

Scott

triple7

4,013 posts

238 months

Friday 29th July 2005
quotequote all
XJR420 said:
Cheers for that Laurie, sounds re-assuring. I can't see any signs of leaks so will probably leave for now and keep an eye on it, get it addressed at next service (December). Whats your view?

Scott


Oil's far cheaper than getting it repaired, thats for sure.

G

XJR420

Original Poster:

95 posts

227 months

Friday 29th July 2005
quotequote all
Cheers triple7, yes you're right of course, but I dont like the idea of anything being less than perfect on my pride n joy!

triple7

4,013 posts

238 months

Friday 29th July 2005
quotequote all
I know what you mean.

G

groomi

9,317 posts

244 months

Friday 29th July 2005
quotequote all
laurieb said:
For what it's worth my car will react to an oil overfill by smoking from the exhasut esp on startup. So far no gasket weeps.

Hope this helps ..

Cheers,

LB


Laurie, by accident you have half answered a question I was about to post.

My car has stared smoking at start-up (just for a couple of seconds). It's going in for a service on Tuesday, but I'm concerned about having a higher bill than normal ( Is that possible?).

I'd be surprised if the car is overfilled with oil, because if I brake hard or circulate roundabouts faster than MX-5s, the oil level warning light flashes on...






On the other hand, maybe I should just slow down a bit?

XJR420

Original Poster:

95 posts

227 months

Friday 29th July 2005
quotequote all
Slowing down? Now youre just being silly!

laurieb

72 posts

232 months

Friday 29th July 2005
quotequote all
Iain,

First stop would be to change the oil at service and see if the problem persists. Incidently my (modified) engine hated the stuff that's supplied by Jaguar as standard for that engine (Mobil FE 5w/30) - which deteriorated v rapidly - within 1000 miles - giving higher than desirable consumption and a smoky exhaust both on startup and after hard use. So after a deal of research I settled on Silkolene Pro 5w/40 which works a treat - negligble consumption and no smoking (unless you overfill). It easily makes my (self imposed) 5k change interval without degrading. Take care not to go the other way with filling too - not good to run those engines on low levels even at the bottom of the diptick marks as there's a risk of exposing the pickup under hard cornering or braking. If the oil change doesnt cure your smoking habit then obviously there are more drastic things that could be wrong - ring seal being a potential but I would go for the change first.

Cheers,

L