Hello everyone:

Can I determine the date my 2000 XJR was manufactured from the VIN? The reason I ask is that I read that cars with engines manufactured BEFORE 8/18/2000 will have NIKASIL liners vs. steel. First question is whether that is accurate and 2nd question is will the VIN tell me? If not where should I look? Please advise.

Thanks in advance!

 

The VIN does give the year of manufacture, but a more accurate dating is found on the driver's door label in the top left-hand area.



February 2001



An even more accurate dating is found on the engine number, which is located on the left side of the block on the A27 engines........it can be viewed through the left-front wheel arch.

Engine number example 0105151050 01(year) 05(month) 15(day) 1050(time)
So that would be 2001, May, 15th at 10:50am

.

 

I would not care about the NIKASIL block, I would worry about the timing chains/tensioners!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Most of my cars have NIKASIL blocks.

 

Thank you Carnival Kid. That's what I needed!

Webley, also, thanks. Re, the Nikasil, I'm not worried one way or the other. I mainly just wanted to know since it is a 2000 and apparently they changed in mid year. My car runs great and really doesn't use any oil to speak of between oil changes. I change the oil religiously with LiquiMoly 5W-40 every 5000 miles and use their Engine Flush every other oil change. I also add Hot Shots Secrets "Friction Reducer" with each oil change.

I also changed out the supercharger oil a while back. It still looked pretty clean but i performed the service as a precaution. Same thing with the transmission fluid and filter, twice actually. I had a problem come up with it shifting.. it would be running fine and then suddenly, typically pulling away from a stop it would have a "hard" shift (sort of a clunk) and then I would get a "Gearbox Fault" light. The local "Jaguar Specialist" couldn't figure out the problem (but he did change a couple of connectors and changed the transmission fluid and filter) so I took it to my "normal" mechanic who literally can work on anything and has a lot of experience with both domestic, European and other brands. When I explained the problem to him he immediately said he thought it could be the transmission control computer (I'm paraphrasing). He said that is a common issue with Fords. Apparently this circuit board is inside the transmission and controls the shift solenoids, etc. He dropped the pan and bought a used circuit board/computer, installed it, then put in a new filter and changed the trans fluid again and viola... problem solved. That's been the only major issue with the car since I've owned it. Oh, and I only run BP 93 octane in it (same mechanic told me that solution when it went into limp mode one time after filling it with Costco 92 octane)... apparently these cars are sensitive to the fuel you use! Again, never had a problem since.

Re, the tensioners, The previous owner upgraded the tensioner's/chains about 30k miles ago right before I bought it. I have no strange noises going on in that area during start up or otherwise so I think I'm good for a while.

My car has about the same miles on it as yours (just under 90k) and as I said, runs great. It's a wonderful car, handles well (it has Blistein shocks, upgraded springs and poly bushings and a nice Borla exhaust system. It also has an upgraded chrome shift, perfect silver paint and the interior is nice too. It's very fast and handles like it's on rails for a big car... it was a steal for $6200 with 62,000 miles. I've owned it for 6 years and plan on keeping it for a long time!

Sorry to drone on but you seem like someone who knows what things to look out for so I appreciate any tips you our others would offer.

Best regards!

Tom