Mark35o
4/10/2008 10:48:30 PM
Hello Fellow Jag Lovers,
I have been in love with these cars for a long time and now have the oppertunity to own one of these fine automobiles. However, here are my concerns.
the car has 55,000 miles. Water pump, fuel pump, and steering column were replaced. Thats it.... I heard a smart preventive maintence is to replace the chain tensioners and "valve covering?" I may have the last part wrong.
The bottem line is that I want a trustworthy automobile and willing to spend the money to make it work. So my question is; what preventive maintnence would everybody do to make this automobile run aswell as it looks??
Mark
bigdreams05
4/11/2008 6:37:02 AM
Have you read up on Nikasil? My following advice can only be based on whether you know about Nikasil or not.
ken@britishparts.com
4/11/2008 7:43:27 AM
The timing chains and tensioners are a must. In all the engines we've rebuilt, we've had one Nikasil problem.
The valve cover is an update on the breathing system. One of the Jag techs may have the TSB on this one. It's no big deal, just need to drill out part of the valve cover to loosen a restriction.
97xkay8
4/11/2008 10:32:43 AM
If I was going to buy another '97. I'd have a compression test done before I sealed the deal. (check for nikasil)
Water pump done ... check.
Fuel pump done... check.
Make sure cheap spark plugs weren't put in.
Replace time chain and tensioners.
Change out relays under hood and trunk.
Possibly wheel bearings replacement (when required)
Keep oil clean and change regularly.
Buy your own scanner and scan regularly for codes that appear but didn't flash a code on the dash.
Buy it cheap, invest a few dollars, drive it 'til the wheels fall off. (or until you get/afford a newer model)('03 and up XK8)
I love my car.
Keep in mind, any 10 year old car needs maint every once in awhile.
Marv
3839
mlewisfwa
4/19/2008 8:24:05 PM
What scanner do you recommend?
97xkay8
4/20/2008 8:03:29 PM
H2OBOY says autoenginuity scanner (about $250 + updates) is the only one that works besides Jag OEM scanner (around 3 grand).
You can buy them online. They come out of Meza, AZ.
Where do you live?
I'm trying to plan a trip up to dallas to use H2O's scanner to make sure it will work on my car before I buy one. The 97's are always throwing codes and it is good if you can clear them out yourself itstead of dealer (1 hour shop rate charge ~$120/hr in SA) It is good to know when the crank positioning sensor goes, because it can reak havok on your car such as backfires. Can also fry your ECM.
I've been trying different places that offer scanning service for a '97 compatable scanner. Haven't found one yet.
Good luck,
Marv
mlewisfwa
4/21/2008 7:01:51 AM
Thanks for ther info Marv. FYI, we are in Indiana.....
