Hello fellow XK8 owners

[MarkX]

I've owned a blue '98 XK8 conv for the last year and it really puts a smile on my face every time I drive it.

The Jaguar bug started with a red e-type on my neighbours drive some years ago - then a drive of an XJS not long after they came out and passing my driving test. Can't think why it took me so long.

Have found the whole JEC experience very useful over the last year and having read up on these boards will get the secondary tensioners done (and yes I have had the sucking of teeth and need to do the whole thing ~ £1200 thank you) . The floor was done earlier this year (thought Jaguar had stopped making cars that rusted).

I think read somewhere about XK8s being very sensitive on the electric front, has anyone had any experiences of trickle charging battery - recent weather means mine has had a long stay in garage and alas on trying to use other day the battery was flat. Any recommendations on chargers to use?

Look forward to reading/sharing more news on views

[MyQuest]

Hello MarkX.

Rather than a charger, the preferred method of keeping a battery in tip-top shape is by using a battery conditioner. This monitors the battery continuously and will prolong its life by automatically switching between ‘charge’ and ‘condition’ as required and can be left connected indefinitely. No overheating problems, either.

I have one connected to my XK8 via a fused lead that hides under the rear bumper and plugs straight into the conditioner. Since using it, I’ve not experienced the dreaded low voltage ‘window drop’ after prolonged inactivity and she fires up instantly on the rare occasion of a fine day outing!

Although normally expensive, I bought a new CTEK model on Ebay for less than half price and it has been faultless.(Cost me £30.00).
Check out Google / CTEK for more info.

Michael

[MarkX]

Michael - I will look into that option - I very much look forward to having the windows in one place! Many thanks for the suggestion - Mark