Hello from Tyne & Wear

[bobwnm]

As a new member of JEC and a fairly new owner of an 02, 4.0Ltr XK8 convertible I was delighted with the reception and turnout at Newby Hall.
Driving in with the top down and being waved thro' to park in front of the Hall, and to line up with all the other XK's old and new was very impressive and when leaving the car to have a look around, the view looking back at all the cars lined up with the Hall as a backdrop was amazing ---- pity my camera was elsewhere!!! But when the latest JEC mag arrived there was MY car pictured in the XK8 Forum.
As a new owner of an XK (but not new to Jaguar) I have read avidly all the past topics, horror stories and the faults and potential disasters which can befall the XK, and I am still smiling!!!
I would like some clarification as to exactly when the engines where fitted with the latest water pump & thermostat, and the same for the chain tensioners. Where can I obtain this information - being specific to engine or VIN no's.
Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Bob

[bobwnm]

Hi Bleasie,
Mine is the Platinum YX02 0n page 22. Now with the No. plate on the nose & the badge moved to the bonnet, inspired by yours I think!
I first moved it to below the nose but unless I was extremely careful it touched the ground when pulling out of my drive, I could see the time when I would have to hit the brakes and would rip it off, so your solution seemed a bit more legal than sticking it on the bonnet!
Have also fabricated some new exhaust pipes to get rid of the rear cans and upgrade the sound effects!!!
I have also had to repair one of the horns on my car, only one was working but a touch of adjustment seems to have sorted it out, they are not of the best anyway.

Bob

[mike020150]

Hi Bob, The latest metal bodied timing chain tensioners were introduced with the 4.2 litre engine so unless yours have been changed, they will be the earlier less reliable type. The latest water pump can be identified by its two piece metal body separated by a black metal gasket. Careful examination should enable you to see which water pump your car has. It would be great for others to hear your car with its modified exhaust. How about bringing it along to the seminar in December? Mike.

[bobwnm]

Hi Mike,
thanks for the info, my car has had no mechanical work at all so it is definitely on suspect tensioners but with only 38,000 I am not too worried yet, I may do the job this winter if time allows. The pump "appears" to be the two piece type with the metal gasket in between, but its silver not black. But that is not a problem if I have got to replace the tensioners it can be investigated when the front is off.
I would like to go to the seminar but I think I have a days shooting booked for that day, don't all the good things clash!! I will investigate.
I have only removed the last box in the exhaust system so my car should sound the same as the JEC? pipes. Thought I could bend the tube but couldn't (working on it tho'), so I had to cut and weld the "bends" still looks OK. When I started it up in the workshop I nearlly put the old pipes back on because to me, it sounded no different. Out on the road you can hear it! quite a muted rasp in the cab, with hood up or down, but observers say it is quite loud!! I wouldn't like it much louder for long runs & I am yet to try it on the motorway, time will tell.
Once again thanks for the help.
If I can make it to the seminar how do I book it, where is it , and whats the cost?
Bob

[mike020150]

Hi Bob, The seminar will be held on 6th December at the Jaguar factory at Castle Bromwich. Bookings and other details can be obtained from Nigel Thorley (01302 771818). Mike.