Hello everyone,
Last year I sold my beautiful 04 X350 (big mistake) I am keen to replace her and have come across a very low milage (30000) x308 reg in 2000 she is a real minter ,
I have concerns re tensioners and water pump issues
Any throughts ?
Howard
x308
Re: x308
Howard,
If you type "tensioners" into the Search function for the x308 section of the Bulletin Board, you'll find over 150 posts on the subject.
In short a 2000 x308 needs the following considerations:
- Was it built before August 2000? If so, it will have a Nikasil engine. Read up everything you can on Nikasil and why so many engines went kaput. The thinking is that if it's running ok now, it probably hasn't got a problem but you might want to get a blowby test done anyway.
- Tensioners. Forget the mileage, you must ensure that the tensioners are the latest type. Mileage is irrelevant, they are going to destroy themselves and your engine. IMO, you should replace upper and lower whilst the job is being done.
- Water Pump. If not already changed, change it straight away whilst the tensioners are being done.
- Cooling Tower. If teh original plastic one has not been changed for a metal one, do it now as well
- Rust. Particularly check the inner wing behind the shock absorber. There's a notorious panel there that rots away. Safety and MoT failure point. The rest of the body, wheelarches, sills, floorpans etc are easier to check.
As you've realised, x308s are cheap to buy and with the falling prices of x350s, you have to really want one. You've been somewhat spoiled coming from an x350, I know!
Unless you want a project, get the car thoroughly checked from head to toe and don't pay a lot of money!
Good luck with your choice.
Paul
If you type "tensioners" into the Search function for the x308 section of the Bulletin Board, you'll find over 150 posts on the subject.
In short a 2000 x308 needs the following considerations:
- Was it built before August 2000? If so, it will have a Nikasil engine. Read up everything you can on Nikasil and why so many engines went kaput. The thinking is that if it's running ok now, it probably hasn't got a problem but you might want to get a blowby test done anyway.
- Tensioners. Forget the mileage, you must ensure that the tensioners are the latest type. Mileage is irrelevant, they are going to destroy themselves and your engine. IMO, you should replace upper and lower whilst the job is being done.
- Water Pump. If not already changed, change it straight away whilst the tensioners are being done.
- Cooling Tower. If teh original plastic one has not been changed for a metal one, do it now as well
- Rust. Particularly check the inner wing behind the shock absorber. There's a notorious panel there that rots away. Safety and MoT failure point. The rest of the body, wheelarches, sills, floorpans etc are easier to check.
As you've realised, x308s are cheap to buy and with the falling prices of x350s, you have to really want one. You've been somewhat spoiled coming from an x350, I know!
Unless you want a project, get the car thoroughly checked from head to toe and don't pay a lot of money!
Good luck with your choice.
Paul
1995 XJS 4.0 Convertible
1980 XJ-S Pre-HE
Jaguar 4.2 Supercharged engine (but not with a Jaguar body..)
1980 XJ-S Pre-HE
Jaguar 4.2 Supercharged engine (but not with a Jaguar body..)
Re: x308
Hi Paul,
Thank you so much for the advise, Might be a case of heart ruling head ,
No I don't want a project ( I don't have either the time or skill !!)
I will take on board your comments and get the works you suggest priced by my local Specalist and then take a view
Many thanks again for your input
Howard
Thank you so much for the advise, Might be a case of heart ruling head ,
No I don't want a project ( I don't have either the time or skill !!)
I will take on board your comments and get the works you suggest priced by my local Specalist and then take a view
Many thanks again for your input
Howard
Howard
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