XK 4.2 - 2022's final nasty suprise
Discussion
Firstly a Very Happy New Year to you all - I hope that you had a great Christmas and chance for a decent break.
Unfortunately 2022 had a final slap in the face for me. Driving back from Norfolk after a much needed break with my wife who's had a tough year with family and health stuff, my XK decided to dump it's coolant (without my knowing) just as I was about to join one of the big ring road roundabouts near Norwich on our way home. As I pulled away to get off the roundabout the car spluttered and stalled - restarted it and it was misfiring, then the overheating warning came on and so I switched off immediately and but hazards on, wisps of steam coming from front of the car. We were in an unsafe place so the the police towed us to a service road on the other side of the roundabout and we sat there and waited for the AA (came after 2 hours).
I looked in the expansion tank and it was virtually empty. Also looked in the sump and no sign of water just oil. AA Bod filled the system with coolant and asked me to start the car - it ran but misfiring and sounded pretty sick. Car now at garage where I bought it and they think it lost its coolant at bottom of the rad (bottom hose?) but aren't sure why its misfiring so compression tests on Tuesday then go from there. Car is 1 day out of the 6 month warranty I had when I bought it.
Devastated to be honest, absolutely gutted. My feeling is the heads are cooked but I did shut down the moment the overheating warning came on. I just hope to god the block isn't warped - hopefully not.
Just wondered if anyone on here has had a similar failure - my car is 2006 with full history.
Unfortunately 2022 had a final slap in the face for me. Driving back from Norfolk after a much needed break with my wife who's had a tough year with family and health stuff, my XK decided to dump it's coolant (without my knowing) just as I was about to join one of the big ring road roundabouts near Norwich on our way home. As I pulled away to get off the roundabout the car spluttered and stalled - restarted it and it was misfiring, then the overheating warning came on and so I switched off immediately and but hazards on, wisps of steam coming from front of the car. We were in an unsafe place so the the police towed us to a service road on the other side of the roundabout and we sat there and waited for the AA (came after 2 hours).
I looked in the expansion tank and it was virtually empty. Also looked in the sump and no sign of water just oil. AA Bod filled the system with coolant and asked me to start the car - it ran but misfiring and sounded pretty sick. Car now at garage where I bought it and they think it lost its coolant at bottom of the rad (bottom hose?) but aren't sure why its misfiring so compression tests on Tuesday then go from there. Car is 1 day out of the 6 month warranty I had when I bought it.
Devastated to be honest, absolutely gutted. My feeling is the heads are cooked but I did shut down the moment the overheating warning came on. I just hope to god the block isn't warped - hopefully not.
Just wondered if anyone on here has had a similar failure - my car is 2006 with full history.
That is very bad luck I agree. I had a 2006 XK for 4-5 years and it was very good; the worst thing it threw at me was a disintegrated thermostat housing which confused the cooling system a bit.
Some questions. You looked in the sump. The oil sump?
'Car now at garage where I bought it'. Is it a main dealer, specialist or geezer? I ask because a misfire sounds like it might need some real experience, not just a bloke with a spanner. Either way, make sure they have the knowledge to deal with it, without spending time and your money looking in the wrong place. (Reference: an Aston 'specialist' I took my DB9 to spent a week looking in the engine when the fault was in the gearbox. Their last recommendation to me, before I retrieved the car, was to change the spark plugs)
'they think it lost its coolant at bottom of the rad'. Don't they know? A leak that big should be obvious.
Hopefully the issue will be found quickly and not too much £££ to fix.
Some questions. You looked in the sump. The oil sump?
'Car now at garage where I bought it'. Is it a main dealer, specialist or geezer? I ask because a misfire sounds like it might need some real experience, not just a bloke with a spanner. Either way, make sure they have the knowledge to deal with it, without spending time and your money looking in the wrong place. (Reference: an Aston 'specialist' I took my DB9 to spent a week looking in the engine when the fault was in the gearbox. Their last recommendation to me, before I retrieved the car, was to change the spark plugs)
'they think it lost its coolant at bottom of the rad'. Don't they know? A leak that big should be obvious.
Hopefully the issue will be found quickly and not too much £££ to fix.
Personally I would have been chancing my Arm with a Warranty thats only 1 day out of date , especially when you take into account the Festive Period . Unfortunately we seldom have our wits about us when faced with these sort of situations .
The 4.2 V8 is reckoned to be amongst Jaguars best , I ran a similarly equipped XK up to 50,000 miles with absolutely no issue and a quick glance at the Autotrader will show many with much higher mileages still going strong with the original engine . You dont mention the Cars current mileage and what mileage you purchased her at ? You also make reference to a full Service History , who do you normally use for Servicing and what did your last Service comprise of ?
The 4.2 V8 is reckoned to be amongst Jaguars best , I ran a similarly equipped XK up to 50,000 miles with absolutely no issue and a quick glance at the Autotrader will show many with much higher mileages still going strong with the original engine . You dont mention the Cars current mileage and what mileage you purchased her at ? You also make reference to a full Service History , who do you normally use for Servicing and what did your last Service comprise of ?
Edited by reddiesel on Monday 2nd January 13:30
Hi both - thanks for posting.
The car is a 2006 with 90k on the clock and FSH. I bought it at 86k from a Jag specialist.
Re: Sump - yes no water in the oil sump (just oil).
I have now heard back from the garage. They suspect that the rad lost coolant through a failure in the rail and that head gasket failure accounts for no compression in No 8. I have asked for the comp test readings and also what the borescope found, no mention made of a dropped valve seat (which is what I had expected to hear). I am concerned by the rest of the response though which states that they don't repair the engines and that a recon unit is an option but that none can be found and have not been available for some time. They have have offered to give a price for a brand new engine if I want it.
That may be the case but am I missing something here ? Obviously there is a risk that it may have affected the other head (and bottom end) but on the assumption of my taking a risk on those surely its just a question of fitting a new rad and a new head ? Slightly stunned that I'm now left with the option of seemingly throwing the car away or fitting a brand new engine which is just not economically viable !!
I would be grateful if anyone on here knows of any Jag engine specialists (UK) who could either work on mine or supply an exchange engine. I'd rather keep my own unit in the car but the no 1 priority is getting it back on the road.
Any thoughts welcome - sat here feeling pretty sick to be honest.
The car is a 2006 with 90k on the clock and FSH. I bought it at 86k from a Jag specialist.
Re: Sump - yes no water in the oil sump (just oil).
I have now heard back from the garage. They suspect that the rad lost coolant through a failure in the rail and that head gasket failure accounts for no compression in No 8. I have asked for the comp test readings and also what the borescope found, no mention made of a dropped valve seat (which is what I had expected to hear). I am concerned by the rest of the response though which states that they don't repair the engines and that a recon unit is an option but that none can be found and have not been available for some time. They have have offered to give a price for a brand new engine if I want it.
That may be the case but am I missing something here ? Obviously there is a risk that it may have affected the other head (and bottom end) but on the assumption of my taking a risk on those surely its just a question of fitting a new rad and a new head ? Slightly stunned that I'm now left with the option of seemingly throwing the car away or fitting a brand new engine which is just not economically viable !!
I would be grateful if anyone on here knows of any Jag engine specialists (UK) who could either work on mine or supply an exchange engine. I'd rather keep my own unit in the car but the no 1 priority is getting it back on the road.
Any thoughts welcome - sat here feeling pretty sick to be honest.
Well first things first , the value of the car is to my mind roughly £7.5 to £8k with the Dealer then selling around £10k . Forgive me for being so blunt but after much expenditure over the years I now stubbornly refuse to get emotionally attached to any vehicle .
If I were you , I would be keeping this headline figure if you like at the forefront of my mind before I did anything
If I were you , I would be keeping this headline figure if you like at the forefront of my mind before I did anything
Edited by reddiesel on Sunday 8th January 15:55
I note you are down in Surrey so I would be recommending Tom Lenthall in Wokingham . In fact the reply you have kindly furnished from your Garage is hardly inspiring much confidence , from their response I judge them complete Turnips clearly out of their depth . £1000 will buy you a replacement engine ( Ebay are sure to have some ) and thats what I would be doing because I suspect when you take into account parts and labour you will inevitably be in advance of that costing attempting to repair the old one . Lenthall I suspect may have a few alternative sourcing suggestions . Get it fitted and get it offed , simples . Give Lenthall a call in the morning , tell him your position and what I have suggested and take it from there . Just keep in mind the costings and values I have given you , if Lenthall feels you may be able to escape lightly by repairing your own then you have had a result . I would still be offing the car at the earliest opportunity .
https://www.tomlenthall.co.uk
https://www.tomlenthall.co.uk
Edited by reddiesel on Sunday 8th January 17:02
Hi Red
Thanks for posting. I'm not emotionally attached to it just gutted that its happened, I've had two close bereavements recently and this is just an unwelcome headache all told - a crap end to a crap year.
Appreciate the contact re: Tom and I will certainly get in touch (someone else also mentioned him). I did some digging around online today and also spoke to a classic jag specialist who has very helpfully pointed me in the direction of a couple of other guys who can help so at least I have a few irons in the fire.
Thanks again - I'll contact Tom tomorrow
Cheers
Thanks for posting. I'm not emotionally attached to it just gutted that its happened, I've had two close bereavements recently and this is just an unwelcome headache all told - a crap end to a crap year.
Appreciate the contact re: Tom and I will certainly get in touch (someone else also mentioned him). I did some digging around online today and also spoke to a classic jag specialist who has very helpfully pointed me in the direction of a couple of other guys who can help so at least I have a few irons in the fire.
Thanks again - I'll contact Tom tomorrow
Cheers
HendrixsWhiteStratReturns said:
Hi Red
Thanks for posting. I'm not emotionally attached to it just gutted that its happened, I've had two close bereavements recently and this is just an unwelcome headache all told - a crap end to a crap year.
Appreciate the contact re: Tom and I will certainly get in touch (someone else also mentioned him). I did some digging around online today and also spoke to a classic jag specialist who has very helpfully pointed me in the direction of a couple of other guys who can help so at least I have a few irons in the fire.
Thanks again - I'll contact Tom tomorrow
Cheers
You also have SE Jags in Charlton as an option.Thanks for posting. I'm not emotionally attached to it just gutted that its happened, I've had two close bereavements recently and this is just an unwelcome headache all told - a crap end to a crap year.
Appreciate the contact re: Tom and I will certainly get in touch (someone else also mentioned him). I did some digging around online today and also spoke to a classic jag specialist who has very helpfully pointed me in the direction of a couple of other guys who can help so at least I have a few irons in the fire.
Thanks again - I'll contact Tom tomorrow
Cheers
Sorry to hear about your car if you require a replacement engine theres a 2008 xk on copart at the mo bid up to £ 1600 with rear end damage going on sale 11 jan worth considering and a source of revenue in selling rest of bits may cost zero,a bit of pain but worth considering,best of luck
HendrixsWhiteStratReturns said:
Hi Red
Thanks for posting. I'm not emotionally attached to it just gutted that its happened, I've had two close bereavements recently and this is just an unwelcome headache all told - a crap end to a crap year.
Appreciate the contact re: Tom and I will certainly get in touch (someone else also mentioned him). I did some digging around online today and also spoke to a classic jag specialist who has very helpfully pointed me in the direction of a couple of other guys who can help so at least I have a few irons in the fire.
Thanks again - I'll contact Tom tomorrow
Cheers
Keep positive , you will get this remedied and still have some Profit left in the Car when you come to exit . I have just endured a similar festive Period with illness of my old father and a terminal diagnosis of a good friend so I understand the stress you are enduring , I think up until about 50 years of age I seldom encountered anyone ill now I seem to be meeting them on a daily basis .Thanks for posting. I'm not emotionally attached to it just gutted that its happened, I've had two close bereavements recently and this is just an unwelcome headache all told - a crap end to a crap year.
Appreciate the contact re: Tom and I will certainly get in touch (someone else also mentioned him). I did some digging around online today and also spoke to a classic jag specialist who has very helpfully pointed me in the direction of a couple of other guys who can help so at least I have a few irons in the fire.
Thanks again - I'll contact Tom tomorrow
Cheers
Hopefully we shall hear how you get on . Best Regards , Red
Have a chat with Paul at: https://ultimatecats.co.uk/ in North London.
He's a genius with Jags. Also an amazing car enthusiast, he has a rather nice collection of fab cars, including his nutty 700hp+ XJR (he's taken me out in it and it's a beast.)
He's a genius with Jags. Also an amazing car enthusiast, he has a rather nice collection of fab cars, including his nutty 700hp+ XJR (he's taken me out in it and it's a beast.)
Another vote for Tom.
The 4.2 engine is very robust, so probably just head gasket. I've had a 4.0SC XKR and a 4.2NA S Type. Both suffered, the 4.0 was prone to over heat after the thermostat failed in the closed position. Head gasket went and was replaced with a 4.2 gasket and it ran and still does some 10+ years later. My S Type dumped its entire contents after valley pipe failure on the M5 but drove on fine for another seven miles when it stalled at my destination and the over heat light came on. AA filled with water and it came out faster than he could pour in. Recovered, new valley pipes fited and it is stil running as far as I know some 9 years later only issue for the guy that bought from me was rust and a suspension strut! Fingers crossed yours is an easy fix. Note if they lose coolant from a failure of the expansion tank it dumps the water onto the rocker cover so you get water in the plug wells and missfire. Shouldn't be the case in yours as they have taken the plugs out for a compression test but on a 4.0SC cylinder 8 is rear most LHS just under the expansion tank...
The 4.2 engine is very robust, so probably just head gasket. I've had a 4.0SC XKR and a 4.2NA S Type. Both suffered, the 4.0 was prone to over heat after the thermostat failed in the closed position. Head gasket went and was replaced with a 4.2 gasket and it ran and still does some 10+ years later. My S Type dumped its entire contents after valley pipe failure on the M5 but drove on fine for another seven miles when it stalled at my destination and the over heat light came on. AA filled with water and it came out faster than he could pour in. Recovered, new valley pipes fited and it is stil running as far as I know some 9 years later only issue for the guy that bought from me was rust and a suspension strut! Fingers crossed yours is an easy fix. Note if they lose coolant from a failure of the expansion tank it dumps the water onto the rocker cover so you get water in the plug wells and missfire. Shouldn't be the case in yours as they have taken the plugs out for a compression test but on a 4.0SC cylinder 8 is rear most LHS just under the expansion tank...
Afternoon all - quick update
Problem now sorted and I have the car back. Final issue was a leaking rad and then a dropped valve seat in number 8, which marked the head but the piston and bore was fine.
The less said about the original supplying 'specialist' garage the better (they will NEVER see the car again while I own it) but a very well known and very highly regarded Jaguar E Type and Classic XK specialist (Winspeed) recommended the guy who looks after his modern XKs and so the car went to Barny Jones Ltd in Crondall/Farnham (I chose them as they were also the closest but Tom had excellent reviews too).
The guys at Barny Jones have been absolutely excellent they really have. Proper diagnosis, great comms and a thorough chat before repair and very reasonable costs. I had a new rad and hoses put on and changed the water pump while they had the car in. As for the head I had a new cylinder head put on plus a full oil change. They could find no evidence of warpage or overheating damage (I mentioned pulling the second head) and absolutely no evidence of cross contamination and are very confident the car will be fine.
I wish I'd found these guys earlier, excellent reviews on them and they know the XK inside out (and other Jags). I would recommend them to anyone in the UK who needs engine work on a Jag. A trying few weeks at an end - man its good to have the Big Cat back again...
Problem now sorted and I have the car back. Final issue was a leaking rad and then a dropped valve seat in number 8, which marked the head but the piston and bore was fine.
The less said about the original supplying 'specialist' garage the better (they will NEVER see the car again while I own it) but a very well known and very highly regarded Jaguar E Type and Classic XK specialist (Winspeed) recommended the guy who looks after his modern XKs and so the car went to Barny Jones Ltd in Crondall/Farnham (I chose them as they were also the closest but Tom had excellent reviews too).
The guys at Barny Jones have been absolutely excellent they really have. Proper diagnosis, great comms and a thorough chat before repair and very reasonable costs. I had a new rad and hoses put on and changed the water pump while they had the car in. As for the head I had a new cylinder head put on plus a full oil change. They could find no evidence of warpage or overheating damage (I mentioned pulling the second head) and absolutely no evidence of cross contamination and are very confident the car will be fine.
I wish I'd found these guys earlier, excellent reviews on them and they know the XK inside out (and other Jags). I would recommend them to anyone in the UK who needs engine work on a Jag. A trying few weeks at an end - man its good to have the Big Cat back again...
HendrixsWhiteStratReturns said:
Afternoon all - quick update
Problem now sorted and I have the car back. Final issue was a leaking rad and then a dropped valve seat in number 8, which marked the head but the piston and bore was fine.
The less said about the original supplying 'specialist' garage the better (they will NEVER see the car again while I own it) but a very well known and very highly regarded Jaguar E Type and Classic XK specialist (Winspeed) recommended the guy who looks after his modern XKs and so the car went to Barny Jones Ltd in Crondall/Farnham (I chose them as they were also the closest but Tom had excellent reviews too).
The guys at Barny Jones have been absolutely excellent they really have. Proper diagnosis, great comms and a thorough chat before repair and very reasonable costs. I had a new rad and hoses put on and changed the water pump while they had the car in. As for the head I had a new cylinder head put on plus a full oil change. They could find no evidence of warpage or overheating damage (I mentioned pulling the second head) and absolutely no evidence of cross contamination and are very confident the car will be fine.
I wish I'd found these guys earlier, excellent reviews on them and they know the XK inside out (and other Jags). I would recommend them to anyone in the UK who needs engine work on a Jag. A trying few weeks at an end - man its good to have the Big Cat back again...
Excellent news.Problem now sorted and I have the car back. Final issue was a leaking rad and then a dropped valve seat in number 8, which marked the head but the piston and bore was fine.
The less said about the original supplying 'specialist' garage the better (they will NEVER see the car again while I own it) but a very well known and very highly regarded Jaguar E Type and Classic XK specialist (Winspeed) recommended the guy who looks after his modern XKs and so the car went to Barny Jones Ltd in Crondall/Farnham (I chose them as they were also the closest but Tom had excellent reviews too).
The guys at Barny Jones have been absolutely excellent they really have. Proper diagnosis, great comms and a thorough chat before repair and very reasonable costs. I had a new rad and hoses put on and changed the water pump while they had the car in. As for the head I had a new cylinder head put on plus a full oil change. They could find no evidence of warpage or overheating damage (I mentioned pulling the second head) and absolutely no evidence of cross contamination and are very confident the car will be fine.
I wish I'd found these guys earlier, excellent reviews on them and they know the XK inside out (and other Jags). I would recommend them to anyone in the UK who needs engine work on a Jag. A trying few weeks at an end - man its good to have the Big Cat back again...
Gassing Station | Jaguar | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff