jaguar xkr and how the tension is getting to me

[Edward Lyons Jnr]

Some of you may be familiar with a recurrent problem with the xk8 and xkr engines. Having survived the Nikasil episode we all had our tensioners checked and replaced with the new improved model only now we find there is a super improved version. As owners we must be concerned that other than our beloved Jaguars the only other product to have such an ongoing development program must surely be "washing powder" The number of progressive improvements could only have been possible if our great Grandparents were also initially sold an underdeveloped product AND also charged a premium for carrying out the neccessary quality control.
Perhaps these new tensioners are the way to go ...... anyone had any experience?
Edward.

[robdickinson]

40 year old design you'd think they'd have it right by now...

[avos]

The 4.2 engine has these new tensioners, which was made the end of 2002 I think. So far I have not heard of any issues with these.

[800]

Have you read Top Gear magazine this week?

Their 2006 XJR engine let go

[bobfrance]

Calm down dear!

In my (limited) experience engines, gearboxes etc. let go soon when brand new because of a fault the manufacture of that particular unit. Not necessarily because there's anything wrong with the design. No production/quality control process can be perfect.

And since when was the XK8 a fourty year old design??

Edited to mention:
As for ongoing development - count yourself lucky you don't own a TVR

>> Edited by bobfrance on Wednesday 15th March 10:15

[edward lyons jnr]

Im afraid I have not yet read the report in Top Gear what was the jist of it ? As for being thankfull for not owning a TVR I did own a Griff 500 and it was perhaps the happiest 6 months motoring that I can recall however I owned the damb thing for 3 years........ so perhaps I should just focus on the new found friends I met during my ownership,no not that happy go lucky bunch in the local TVR register but the nice man at the AA, the jovial RAC fella and that great charecter from Green Flag !!!
There the tensions disappearing already.

[bobfrance]

edward lyons jnr said:

...it was perhaps the happiest 6 months motoring that I can recall however I owned the damb thing for 3 years........ so perhaps I should just focus on the new found friends I met during my ownership,no not that happy go lucky bunch in the local TVR register but the nice man at the AA, the jovial RAC fella and that great charecter from Green Flag !!! There the tensions disappearing already.

I like your turn of phrase, you sound just like Victor Meldrew.

Keep it up!

[edward lyons jnr]

"Margrate, Margrate I dont bl**dy believe it, come and see what this bobfrance fellow has written. I shouldnt be at all surprised if he doesnt use green ink!"

>> Edited by edward lyons jnr on Wednesday 15th March 18:18

>> Edited by edward lyons jnr on Wednesday 15th March 19:20

[groomi]

edward lyons jnr said:

There the tensions disappearing already.

Yes, I've had that experience.






Set me back a few grand, I can tell you.

[robdickinson]

bobfrance said:

And since when was the XK8 a fourty year old design??

Wasnt it based on the 1975 XJS platform which itself is a cut down XJ chassy from 1968.... I'm short 2 years so shoot meh....

[groomi]

robdickinson said:

bobfrance said: And since when was the XK8 a fourty year old design?? Wasnt it based on the 1975 XJS platform which itself is a cut down XJ chassy from 1968.... I'm short 2 years so shoot meh....

Not really the platform - more like hardpoint dimensions...

The XK8 has the same bulkhead and subframe mounting points as the XJS.

The XJS used the same subframes & Drivetrain as the XJ Series saloon.




All IIRC

[Edward Lyons Jnr]

It would seem that both Jaguars do perhaps share an element of DNA but doesnt the Aston Martin DB7 share some basic components of the XK8/XKR. Edward

[groomi]

Again just the hardpoints adn hence the dimensions. Nothing else.

[bobfrance]

In that case if put DB7 wheels on my Jag, that would make it an Aston Martin.

Can't hurt come resale time

Also my TVR was a Rover SD1 and I wouldn't buy a Lambourghini cause it's a lot of money to pay for an Audi.

[a8hex]

bobfrance said:

In that case if put DB7 wheels on my Jag, that would make it an Aston Martin. Can't hurt come resale time Also my TVR was a Rover SD1 and I wouldn't buy a Lambourghini cause it's a lot of money to pay for an Audi.

Skoda you mean

[edward lyons jnr]

Hang on a minute its just a thought but does that mean that if I drive down the road in the Lambo and approaching in the other direction is "the Skoda driver"he could flash his lights and wave............WOAH!!! back to the classifieds for the Ferrari ads, oh no then theres the Stilo man.......... Oh well the tensions back.
Edward.

>> Edited by edward lyons jnr on Thursday 16th March 14:02

[craigw]

so if one buys a pre 200 XKR is there any way of telling if nikasil issues will be relevant ?

[NormanD]

craigw said:

so if one buys a pre 200 XKR is there any way of telling if nikasil issues will be relevant ?

90% chance it has had an engine transplant, check the service detailes.
If original have a 'Blowby check' done, if OK now should be all right in the future as the petrol is better now with low sulpher.

[craigw]

ok thanks, much appreciated, anything I should look out for in a used KXR Convertible ? options etc etc ?