Want to Buy Conv but worried over Engines

Want to Buy Conv but worried over Engines

Author
Discussion

darrel

Original Poster:

67 posts

265 months

Tuesday 17th May 2005
quotequote all
This sounds wierd coming from a three time TVR owner but I am thinking of an XK8 Conv but in looking thro ads I see a lot of them 'sporting' New Engine fitted xxx miles ago, where car has covered 50k or less!!
Obviously i am looking in the lower end of the market at 1998/1999 cars and i have seen on PH that 4.2 is recommended but cash wont stretch to a 2002. Was there a serious problem with the old 4ltr engine or are these for sale cars all 'unlucky'. (PS for the record non of my 3 TVR's ever broke down but one had.........two engine rebuilds at 2 years old. Is that why i am paranoid?)
Any help much appreciated?
Darrel
PS - Any other major things to look out for? Cheers.

triple7

4,015 posts

244 months

Tuesday 17th May 2005
quotequote all
Soz mate this has been done to death, go back thru the pages of this forum and you will find your answer.

In short the problem you refer is Nikasil engine liners in pre-2001 cars, corroding due sulphur content in fuel which no longer exists. Damage therefore already done, so get a blowby check, Jag should help out if you buy a car with a dodgy engine. You can check the VIN number of the XK you are looking at, to see if it has a nikasil engine. Perhaps someone can add that bit of info for you.

G

triple7

4,015 posts

244 months

Tuesday 17th May 2005
quotequote all
PS Take a look at secondary timing chain tensioners. This one will keep you awake at night as well, they can go and destroy your engine. £300 to get them changed for the new 'metal' ones. Jag insist there is no problem, which is utter bollox.

PS I got a 2002 XKR and freeking love it, why worry about what if's, mind you I got a Jag warranty!!!!!!

G

jonscz

1,184 posts

244 months

Tuesday 17th May 2005
quotequote all
Hi Darrel, ther have been many articles done aboout the "new engines" and what to look out for here are links to a few :- http://forums1.roadfly.org/jaguar/forums/xk8/6311428-1.html
www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?t=159212&f=85&h=0

http://forums1.roadfly.org/jaguar/forums/xk8/ This last link is to a really useful XK forum, where you'll find loads of info re buying guides and problems to look out for. In particular, if you go to the search part at the top of this last link and type "nikasil" then trawl through the postings, then you'll get a really good idea of the problems of the original pre 2000 year engines.Good luck. Cheers, Jon