xj8 with nikasil problems new engine or new liners?

[P700DEE]

The 8s have Variable Valve timing VVT and these have a tendency to click audibly especially when older. In fact most of our cars have plenty of clicks and whirrs etc. from all the belts etc. so get someone who knows the cars to listen rather than just panic. Beware main dealers as some are in the replace as a precaution mode (expensive if this is the whole engine )and charge a fortune for even basic checks. Do research here and places like www.xkec.co.uk , roadfly.com etc. and if expensive get a second opinion. Jaguar are managing to top the JD power surveys in the States, these cars are more reliable than many seem to think

[ChampagneCharlie]

Just back from Jaguar Lincoln (very nice place I have to admit).
The Blowby was 25 so I assume this is ok?
The car seems to run much better now it has the new throttle body fitted. They didn't get chance to check out the ECM but I can get that looked at in the new year.
Thanks for all the advice chaps!!!

Edited by ChampagneCharlie on Friday 21st December 13:49

[Dek1952]

I just did the unforgivabible with my XJ8; moved it from the road to my drive and switched it off cold. It took three weeks to get it back from the garage and cost £110. Golden Rule number 1. NEVER switch engine off when its cold because it floods and is difficult to start again because basically there is no compression.
To tell if the nikasil liners are gone...check the filter....if its bunged up with carbon then the liners have gone and the engine is a right off. Luckely mine was ok. Hence just a drying out and a gentle finger wagging from my friendly mechanic !!

[rswift]

Looking at the location of the OP, try Jo Jags in Liverpool, no personal experience, but they have quite a good reputation .

[NormanD]

It's not just Jaguars that can happen to if you only move a few yards

[jimattfield]

Dek1952 said:

I just did the unforgivabible (sic) with my XJ8; moved it from the road to my drive and switched it off cold. It took three weeks to get it back from the garage and cost £110. Golden Rule number 1. NEVER switch engine off when its cold because it floods and is difficult to start again because basically there is no compression.

1. Mash accelerator flat to floor and keep it there.
2. Crank engine until it catches (don't overheat starter and you may need a battery boost as it can take some time).
3. Once it catches slowly release and feather throttle until engine is fully firing.
4. Admire very large smoke cloud in rear view mirror (this is normal during this procedure).
5. Allow engine to warm up fully before switching off again.

This technique saved my bacon 360 miles from home base with my '99 Sovereign.

James

[S8QUATTRO]

Hi, I'm going to see a 99 t reg 4.0 xk8 later today. How can I tell if there is a nikasil problem? Will the car not start easily?

[jas xjr]

S8QUATTRO said:

Hi, I'm going to see a 99 t reg 4.0 xk8 later today. How can I tell if there is a nikasil problem? Will the car not start easily?

most cars will have been sorted by now . you would have to be very unlucky to find one with nikasil problems

[NormanD]

S8QUATTRO said:

Hi, I'm going to see a 99 t reg 4.0 xk8 later today. How can I tell if there is a nikasil problem? Will the car not start easily?

Don't worry about that

Look for service history and body rot

[lestershaw]

Isn't it cheaper to buy a new car than have the engine work done and then keep or sell the bits from the broken car?

[S8QUATTRO]

NormanD said:

Don't worry about that

Look for service history and body rot

It's got a gearbox issue on initial take off, there is a jerk when it gets going. I've been scanning the forums and there are others who have had this issue. It's a good price though

[NormanD]

S8QUATTRO said:

It's got a gearbox issue on initial take off, there is a jerk when it gets going.
I've been scanning the forums and there are others who have had this issue. It's a good price though

They do need a gearbox oil change every 60K whet ever Jaguar say