Time to add an XK8 to the fleet - newbie question.

[968CS]

Its time to add a Jag to the fleet and I'm considering an XK8 as the second car/ run around, still got the 968CS for trackdays etc.

I understand that the engine issues from the pre 2000 cars are addressed in the 2001 model, can anyone with better knowledge of the marque confirm if this is the case.

Cheers

Andy

[Triple7]

Plenty of info in this section about the secondary timing chain tensioners.

Pre-2001 Nikasil issues. Plastic tensioners, plastic water pump vanes.
2001-2003 Revised tensioners, much better, BUT
2003-2006 4.2ltr engine all sorted.

[varsas]

A few problems I am aware of:

Weak timing chain tensioners. Making things out of plastic, and then covering them in oil and getting them hot is not a good idea (they go brittle and break). Later cars have 'genIII' tensioners that are metal. earlier 'gen2' ones are just as bad...
http://www.jagservice.net/jaguar_v8_secondary_tens...

Nikasil. The coating Jaguar (and BMW) used in some of their car engine, despite being well proven in 911's, race engines and motorbikes, did not work well in these applications. The sulphar in late 90's fuel made an acid that attacked the cylinder liners leading to lack of compression.
http://ezinearticles.com/?Jaguar-XJR--Is-Your-Moto...

I think there was an issue with plastic water pumps?
http://ezinearticles.com/?Jaguar-XK8---Early-Water...

I had the timing chain tensioners on my '98 car with 90,000 miles on it changed, and the original ones were still in very good condition. I have two nikasil cars, and do not worry about them. My justification is that high-sulphar fuels are not used anymore, and so no more damge will occur, and the engine is fine at the moment so no damage was done (not all will agree with that reasoning). I also don't worry about the waterpump, hopefully I'll notice the water temperature rising before the car implodes.

This book:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/You-Your-Jaguar-XK8-Mainta...
is quite good for chating the history/development/specs of the cars. Not so good on the buying/maintaining side but if you like the cars it's well worth a read.

Let us know how you get on!

[968CS]

Thanks for the response chaps much appreciated.

The issues are as I thought, i'd love the 4.2 but it's going to be outside the budget so it looks like a late 4.0 and make sure I fit GenIII tensioners.

Anyone know of any good 2001 coming to the market let me know.

Cheers

[macar]

I've had a 1997 XK8 for 10 years, always maintained by Jaguar. Its had no engine modifications and has had no problems. The known problems usually occur due to frequent use on short journeys. Personally I prefer the early cars as theres no stick on plastic trims/chrome and the wheels are not overly OTT. Try and get one without the sat-nav as the three dials in the dash looks a lot better. Good hunting in your search.

[Triple7]

968CS if it is a 2001MY car the only one to buy is the 'XK100' Ltd Edition. Comes fully loaded and only in black, but is facelfited.

Only 50 coupes and 50 Convertibles made:

This is what they look like:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1633350.htm

Edited by Triple7 on Wednesday 5th May 13:15