www.jec.org.uk

Being a newcomer to the XJ8 (and a Chartered mechanical engineer), I spent quite a bit of time reading up on the issues surrounding the V8 engine, especially the Nikasil problem and then looking at a wide variety of cars, to see things for real. The article given on the Forum summarises the issue well. When considering purchase of a 1997-2000 XJ8, the key question is "Can I afford to take the risk?". Once past that and assuming that you remain keen on an earlier car (perhaps for price or whatever), then check that the vendor has written evidence that the blow-by tests have been taken and are good. A lot of private and less established traders will try and fob you off with any load of old blather - and, in my search for a good 'un, I have heard some complete and utter bo***cks. There is more information on Nikasil under Racing Green's (Jaguar specialists) website, which confirms the VIN distinction (six numbers = Nikasil; F + five numbers = steel linered). If a Nikasil car has not got evidence of the proper Jaguar blow-by test, then a simple test of blow by (run the engine up to temperature, then see what pressure comes out of the oil filler cap, when removed) should certainly indicate a really bad one (and I've seen some blowing like mad, even when the owner said "runs all right, mate!" - the worst wouldn't even pull up a slight hill without kicking down.). However, this simple test is not infallible, especially if you are not sure what to look for. Best advice is get the owner to have a Jaguar test done and look at the report. If they won't do that - walk away and buy a car built post September 1999 with a VIN with F + 5 numbers, then start worrying about the timing tensioners!

Cheers

Alan

New to XJ8 motoring myself and so far I'm very impressed with it (1998 reg'd LWB Sovereign 4.0L). I've read the Racing Green report on Nikasil and thought I should point out something else I picked up from the July 2007 issue of Jaguar World Monthly. There is a suggestion that VIN numbers cannot be accurately used to identify a Nikasil car. The article goes on to say that engine number is the most reliable indicator. Basically anything after 000818-1043 is steel lined. That's 10.43 , 18 August 2000.

Alas, mine is 980328-1105 and therefore Nikasil. I had a blow by test done today which proved satisfactory and so next week I'm looking at possibly replacing - upper and lower tensioners, chains, guides, thermostat and water pump. Ball park I've been told it'll be about £1200.

David.

David - thanks for that; I had heard reports of the same but Jaguar themselves dispute the report. Kent Jaguar Centre (near Sevenoaks) are advertising genuine Jaguar timing chains and Mark 4 tensioner sets at a very good price, on EBay. Their labour charges are higher than some other specialists but it might be worth having a look on EBay, getting the parts there and then get your favourite specialist to do the job.

Happy Jaguaring!

Alan