Nikasil - High mileage ok?
Discussion
I'm currently looking at a 1998 XJ with 118,000 miles. I realise that this will have the Nikasil cylinder linings, but I've also heard that cars which have reached this sort of mileage are unlikely to experience any problems, as it would have become apparent by now?
Does anyone here have any sage advice?
Does anyone here have any sage advice?
It may already have had a replacement engine, and even if it's still fitted with the origional engine it will only have had exposure to higher Sulphur content fuel - which caused bore erosion in the Nicasil lined engines - for a very short while before the Sulphur content was reduced in early 2000.
If it starts readily and runs smoothly, and there's no evidence of oil mist on the throttle body then it should be OK. If you're worried a simple Blow By check at a Jaguar dealer or independent will soon tell you if there's a problem - but if it's lasted to over 100k I'd say it's unlikely to be affected.
If it starts readily and runs smoothly, and there's no evidence of oil mist on the throttle body then it should be OK. If you're worried a simple Blow By check at a Jaguar dealer or independent will soon tell you if there's a problem - but if it's lasted to over 100k I'd say it's unlikely to be affected.
If the engine is original and has lasted this long then there are no real Nikasil worries. As has been said if the engine runs ok with no noises then all should be fine. Do check that the tensioners are of the latest aluminium bodied type though and the water pump/thermostat have been replaced.
If it's a serious contender then search this forum for Broardbean 747's post a while back. He's collated all the XJ8 info you need to make an informed purchase.
Just one other issue - which IIRC he didn't cover - as it's only recently come apparent is corrosion behind the front shocks where the reinforcing plate for the front subframe V mount is welded to the body.
Some go, some are OK. It's a potential MOT fail if bad. If you get a chance for a check (full lock and a torch - or better still up on a ramp) before purchase then best have a look.
Just one other issue - which IIRC he didn't cover - as it's only recently come apparent is corrosion behind the front shocks where the reinforcing plate for the front subframe V mount is welded to the body.
Some go, some are OK. It's a potential MOT fail if bad. If you get a chance for a check (full lock and a torch - or better still up on a ramp) before purchase then best have a look.
Jaguar steve said:
If it's a serious contender then search this forum for Broardbean 747's post a while back. He's collated all the XJ8 info you need to make an informed purchase.
Here's a link to Broadbean747s posting. http://tinyurl.com/6psughI did hours of research on Nikasil before buying my XJR. There are very mixed views out there. Many say that if it hasn't failed yet, it is going to be OK as the fuel was upgraded by 2000, but friends in the trade are still seeing pre 2000 cars with engine problems. I erred on the side of caution and bought a 2000 car having first checked the VIN to ensure that it had steel lined bores. I also wanted a pre 2001 car so that I wouldn't have to pay CO2 based road tax!
I dont think the mileage is relevant to the issue. Nikasil lining were causing failure at low mileage in Jaguar and BMW, so it will not neccessarily be more worn if it is a Nikasil car with high mileage - the last 8 years worth of mileage have been done on uprgraded fuel.
Hope that helps.
I dont think the mileage is relevant to the issue. Nikasil lining were causing failure at low mileage in Jaguar and BMW, so it will not neccessarily be more worn if it is a Nikasil car with high mileage - the last 8 years worth of mileage have been done on uprgraded fuel.
Hope that helps.
Jaguar steve said:
Just one other issue - which IIRC he didn't cover - as it's only recently come apparent is corrosion behind the front shocks where the reinforcing plate for the front subframe V mount is welded to the body.
Some go, some are OK. It's a potential MOT fail if bad. If you get a chance for a check (full lock and a torch - or better still up on a ramp) before purchase then best have a look.
Oh great. That's another box to add to my list of potential calamities - ominously it would be practically the only box needing to be ticked...Some go, some are OK. It's a potential MOT fail if bad. If you get a chance for a check (full lock and a torch - or better still up on a ramp) before purchase then best have a look.
Honest! said:
I did hours of research on Nikasil before buying my XJR. There are very mixed views out there. Many say that if it hasn't failed yet, it is going to be OK as the fuel was upgraded by 2000, but friends in the trade are still seeing pre 2000 cars with engine problems. I erred on the side of caution and bought a 2000 car having first checked the VIN to ensure that it had steel lined bores. I also wanted a pre 2001 car so that I wouldn't have to pay CO2 based road tax!
I dont think the mileage is relevant to the issue. Nikasil lining were causing failure at low mileage in Jaguar and BMW, so it will not neccessarily be more worn if it is a Nikasil car with high mileage - the last 8 years worth of mileage have been done on uprgraded fuel.
Hope that helps.
I read that a post 2000 reg Nikasil is actually better than a later steel liner engine.I dont think the mileage is relevant to the issue. Nikasil lining were causing failure at low mileage in Jaguar and BMW, so it will not neccessarily be more worn if it is a Nikasil car with high mileage - the last 8 years worth of mileage have been done on uprgraded fuel.
Hope that helps.
groomi said:
Jaguar steve said:
Just one other issue - which IIRC he didn't cover - as it's only recently come apparent is corrosion behind the front shocks where the reinforcing plate for the front subframe V mount is welded to the body.
Some go, some are OK. It's a potential MOT fail if bad. If you get a chance for a check (full lock and a torch - or better still up on a ramp) before purchase then best have a look.
Oh great. That's another box to add to my list of potential calamities - ominously it would be practically the only box needing to be ticked...Some go, some are OK. It's a potential MOT fail if bad. If you get a chance for a check (full lock and a torch - or better still up on a ramp) before purchase then best have a look.
Some are affected - mine (2000 W reg)was quite badly affected on one side and perfect on the other - and some are OK. According to the JEC it's to do with the quailty of welding where the reinforcing plate for the subframe V mount is attached to the body. I've ground out all the rust and flooded both sides and the box section above with Waxoil. Hope that's stopped it, 'cos if it spreads far enough the subframe might have to be removed to weld on a new plate - on an older car that could cost enough to write it off.
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