1998 XJ8 "The Nikasil problem"
Discussion
In 1998 the engine bores had Nikasil linings. The Nikasil was vulnerable to erosion by the sulphur in petrol!
Jaguar recognised this as a problem and have been replacing engines up to 5 yesrs old, or less than 100K miles (whichever earlier).
I noticed heavy oil usage by my car during its 4th year, but then it had to go into storage for a year and was at its 5th anniversary when I got it back (it has done 86,000 miles. During the last 5 months (12,000 miles) I have had to put 8 litres of oil in it (it may have needed more but was refilled on a service). I contacted Jaguar who suggested I go to the dealer for a "blow-by test".
Did this last week and the dealer said it scored 18 which is not a fail - but he also said he could hear that the engine had significant wear and the only solution would be to replace the engine (at a cost of £6,530 fitted) - or keep putting lots of oil in it.
I'm shocked that the engine is knackered at 86,000 (and had started guzzling oil from about 50,000)
Has anyone else had a similar experience?
Geoff
Jaguar recognised this as a problem and have been replacing engines up to 5 yesrs old, or less than 100K miles (whichever earlier).
I noticed heavy oil usage by my car during its 4th year, but then it had to go into storage for a year and was at its 5th anniversary when I got it back (it has done 86,000 miles. During the last 5 months (12,000 miles) I have had to put 8 litres of oil in it (it may have needed more but was refilled on a service). I contacted Jaguar who suggested I go to the dealer for a "blow-by test".
Did this last week and the dealer said it scored 18 which is not a fail - but he also said he could hear that the engine had significant wear and the only solution would be to replace the engine (at a cost of £6,530 fitted) - or keep putting lots of oil in it.
I'm shocked that the engine is knackered at 86,000 (and had started guzzling oil from about 50,000)
Has anyone else had a similar experience?
Geoff
Sorry to hear about your problem Roger.
Although I don't own a V8 Jag, I have been told by my Independent Jag Specialist that Jaguar no longer replace nikasil engines free of charge - not that they liked anybody knowing they did in the first place.
However if you can find a good independant (or don't mind shipping it up to mine) you can get your own engine re-sleeved for considerabley less then £6K.
NB. I believe a good quick check for this problem is to pop the air filters out to see if they are covered in oil/petrol.
Although I don't own a V8 Jag, I have been told by my Independent Jag Specialist that Jaguar no longer replace nikasil engines free of charge - not that they liked anybody knowing they did in the first place.
However if you can find a good independant (or don't mind shipping it up to mine) you can get your own engine re-sleeved for considerabley less then £6K.
NB. I believe a good quick check for this problem is to pop the air filters out to see if they are covered in oil/petrol.
I had a 1998 XJR V8 seize last year after 50,000 miles due to this. It was off the road for 2 months while we argued about cost etc and the 3rd dealer I tried changed it for free saying he thought Jag had an obligation to do this and they charge Jag anyway. The first dealer ( service receptionist !!!! ) said it was my fault for not checking the oil although it was serviced 1000 miles before breaking down , charged me £200 for the fault diagnosis and said there was nothing they could do. Also timing chain adjusters are notorious in these engines, snapping and bits potentially causing a lot of damage.
Again Jaguar are not interested.
Later engines just have cast iron liners and the same thing afflicts BMW V8s.
The only thing I can say is that if you find the right service manager they can be very good but generally absolute rubbish.
Car was fantastic but how can they deny that such a basic fault is their problem. Cylinders that crack when exposed to petrol - you could not make it up !!
I would not buy a 1998 V8 Jag that had not had its engine changed.
Again Jaguar are not interested.
Later engines just have cast iron liners and the same thing afflicts BMW V8s.
The only thing I can say is that if you find the right service manager they can be very good but generally absolute rubbish.
Car was fantastic but how can they deny that such a basic fault is their problem. Cylinders that crack when exposed to petrol - you could not make it up !!
I would not buy a 1998 V8 Jag that had not had its engine changed.
As far as I am aware, September 99 was the change over to steel linings.
A blow test of over 40 LPM is the point at which the engine will be changed. Then only if the car is less than 5 years old and has less than 100,000 miles recorded.
My XK8 at 54,000 miles had a reading of 19 LPM.
The document you need to see is S491V6 or S491V5, this is a service action.
I would be more worried about your timing chain tensioners at your mileage if they haven't been changed. See Technical service bulletin 303-30.
Good luck
Wayne
A blow test of over 40 LPM is the point at which the engine will be changed. Then only if the car is less than 5 years old and has less than 100,000 miles recorded.
My XK8 at 54,000 miles had a reading of 19 LPM.
The document you need to see is S491V6 or S491V5, this is a service action.
I would be more worried about your timing chain tensioners at your mileage if they haven't been changed. See Technical service bulletin 303-30.
Good luck
Wayne
take a look a this one,should have the steel liners,but you can check the chassis number to confirm,
2000 X Reg JAGUAR XJR 4.0 V8
4 Doors, Automatic, Saloon, Petrol, 87,000 miles, Metallic Silver. Air Bag, Air-Conditioning, Anti-Lock Brakes, Black leather, CD Player, Central Door Locking, Clock, Electric Adjustable Mirror, Electric Seats, Front Fog Lights, Full Dealer Facilities Available, Fully Valeted, Leather Steering Wheel, Power-Assisted Steering, RAC INSPECTED, Service History, Traction Control System, ABS, CD Multichanger, Climate Control, Computer, Electric windows, Multi function steering wheel, Traction control. Click dealer button for stock list £14,000.
FLC YiewsleyDealer's Website Dealer's Location
Tel: 01895 444626
Distance: 98 miles
Price: £14,000
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