XJ6 and XJ8.........
Discussion
The XJ6 engine in its last form was known as AJ16.
This was the most developed straight 6 Jaguar engine before the V8 engines were introduced. Has many advanced features including individual coils on each spark plug that work with the electronic distributor. No known problems with the engine. I ran one for 3.5 years in a 4.0 litre XJ Sport with no problems. They are said to be unburstable, good for 250k + miles.
Only known problems are exhaust manifolds that crack, and downpipe/CAT failure when the bottom of the downpipe cracks or the CAT starts breaking up. Check for blowing on the downpipe. The MOT will pick this up. Buy a 95-97 XJ6 (known as X300 shape) The 4 litre models are the best, but not as common as the 3.2, but have almost the same fuel economy.
This was the most developed straight 6 Jaguar engine before the V8 engines were introduced. Has many advanced features including individual coils on each spark plug that work with the electronic distributor. No known problems with the engine. I ran one for 3.5 years in a 4.0 litre XJ Sport with no problems. They are said to be unburstable, good for 250k + miles.
Only known problems are exhaust manifolds that crack, and downpipe/CAT failure when the bottom of the downpipe cracks or the CAT starts breaking up. Check for blowing on the downpipe. The MOT will pick this up. Buy a 95-97 XJ6 (known as X300 shape) The 4 litre models are the best, but not as common as the 3.2, but have almost the same fuel economy.
Cerbman, there is of course the XJ6 X350 with the 3 litre V6 engine installed. Is quite sprightly because the X350 is a light car and the 3 litre AJV6 makes good power and torque and has a broad torque curve.
No problems I'm aware of.
Andy, hope you haven't tail slid your series 3 into a tree recently!!??
>> Edited by Marquis_Rex on Wednesday 27th October 18:01
No problems I'm aware of.
Andy, hope you haven't tail slid your series 3 into a tree recently!!??
>> Edited by Marquis_Rex on Wednesday 27th October 18:01
cerbman said:
I'm a bit concerned about the V8 engine problems, but I've heard the old straight 6 is bullet proof.
It's a case of waying up the pros and cons. The V8 is a little smoother than the straight 6 plus you get the burble (Unless it's the XJR, then you get the whine). The big difference is the gearbox - the 5 speed auto in the V8 is sooooooo much better than the 4speed.
Just try and find a car with a replacement engine or a bulletproof warranty.
More straightforward advice.
Known probs with X300...
1) Diff wear is high - could need rebuilding every 30,000 miles ish.
Known probs with X308...
1) Diff as above.
2) Nicasil linings (new engine required)
3) Timing Chain tensioners (possible new engine req).
4) 5 speed auto can lose oil. Sealed for life unit, so will need replacing (unless you have a good specialist who can top it up).
Known probs with X300...
1) Diff wear is high - could need rebuilding every 30,000 miles ish.
Known probs with X308...
1) Diff as above.
2) Nicasil linings (new engine required)
3) Timing Chain tensioners (possible new engine req).
4) 5 speed auto can lose oil. Sealed for life unit, so will need replacing (unless you have a good specialist who can top it up).
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