engine issues

[rapidpete]

Hi all, anyone experienced coolant loss coupled with vast amounts of steam from the exhaust on start-up?
Very nervous now........could be head gasket or worse?
Any other ideas anyone? It's on my 2000 model XKR with only 47k miles and FSH..

[NormanD]

rapidpete said:

Hi all, anyone experienced coolant loss coupled with vast amounts of steam from the exhaust on start-up? Very nervous now........could be head gasket or worse? Any other ideas anyone? It's on my 2000 model XKR with only 47k miles and FSH..

Sounds expesive as is all thing on the XK8/R.
The design of the engine is that there is not a lot of coolant so the engine reaches operating temp quickley, so I would not drive to far without having it checked out.

[thesilverfox]

sounds like the head gasket gone.
as a rule the problem starts with a fault thermastat, or the impeller falls of the water pump or both, the engine over heats thens blows the head gasket.
do a head test first and go from there. if it is the head always change the thermastat and water pump as well to cover yourself

[rapidpete]

Thanks chaps, it's heading back to the dealer today so I'll keep you posted with the news.
cheers
Pete

[rapidpete]

Hi chaps, engine issues confirmed as head gasket on left hand bank, bugger!!
So obviously going to have both sides done but what do you all think about chain tensioners at the same time?
Cheers
Pete

[triple7]

Seeing as they are taking the engine apart definately get them looked at. If they look worn get them replaced witht the METAL replacement tensioners. If I were you just get them done anyhow.

Good luck, Got a warranty?

G

[NormanD]

triple7 said:

Seeing as they are taking the engine apart definately get them looked at. If they look worn get them replaced witht the METAL replacement tensioners. If I were you just get them done anyhow. Good luck, Got a warranty? G

I second that if you are having the head done you are over half way there

[triple7]

Did you get them tensioners looked at?

G

[rapidpete]

Hi chaps and thanks for the advice so far!! the head gaskets are being replaced as I type and I have asked the dealer to address the possible issue of worn chain tensioners during the rebuild..
Their first reaction was " what issues? don't know about any other problems to date"!! I'll keep you posted with the news as I hear it and NO, I won't be paying for any of it.....
cheers
Pete

[triple7]

rapidpete said:

Their first reaction was " what issues? don't know about any other problems to date"!!

Yup, answer straight out the Jag manual!

[rapidpete]

HiYa, the dealer decided to skim the heads and replace the chain tensioners anyway! Fingers crossed, may have it back for the weekend? God I miss it! I'm having to drive around in a Merc ML430, still it gives me the chance to get rid of some rubbish up the tip!! I'll keep you posted with the result.
Thanks all
Pete

[triple7]

Result

[rapidpete]

Hi Chaps.......expecting the car delivered back on Tuesday, engine all sound and car fully valeted.
Fingers crossed I can start to enjoy the experience again. You don't realise what you have 'till you miss it!!
Pete

[groomi]

Where did you buy it from / which garage are putting it right, Pete?

[IOLAIRE]

rapidpete said:

HiYa, the dealer decided to skim the heads and replace the chain tensioners anyway! Fingers crossed, may have it back for the weekend? God I miss it! I'm having to drive around in a Merc ML430, still it gives me the chance to get rid of some rubbish up the tip!! I'll keep you posted with the result. Thanks all Pete

Hate to paint it black old son, but I hope they had the heads accurately machined and not just "skimmed".
On a V engine like this it is vital that exactly the same amount is taken from each head, and that the machine tolerance is not exceeded.
Keep your eye on it when you get it back.

[rapidpete]

Hi, thanks for the latest comments.. I won't name the supplying dealer just in case things don't go quite to plan, but they do supply some pretty exotic machinery!
The repairing dealer is Swain and Jones of Farnham and so far they have been on the ball.
For sure I'm going to keep a close eye on the result and as an engineer I take on board the comment about "skimming", it's more a generic term nowadays for the machining of heads. They have been machined as a pair and only as a precautionary measure.
thanks again fella's, I'll keep you posted...
Pete

[triple7]

Hey Pete, if you wanna join us for a beer sometime, look up the 'R' Club thread.

Good luck with the car today, incidently why are you all the way over here and not them crooks at Gatwick?

G

[rapidpete]

Hi triple7, thanks for the invite, beer sounds good to me!! You will have to keep me upto speed with venues and times but I'll come along when possible..
The car ended up at S&J in Farnham because my supplying dealer uses them for all Jaguar servicing and knows them well. I used to know them too, when I lived in Alton but that was a while ago now!
cheers
Pete

[rapidpete]

Hi all.......getting the car back at last!! the engine is great now but suffered a minor missfire under load..took it back to S&J and they have fitted new coil packs and another set of plugs..and so far so good! Guess I'll have to take the rest of the day off and use a couple of tanks of Optimax just to be sure eh?
cheers
Pete

[triple7]

Great news, it be a great few days coming to let that turbine whine!

G