You have made a very wise choice, doing what you are doing.

My xk8 has over $29,679 in repairs since it was new at the dealership., so don't feel bad.
A few things id like to suggest as well.

1.Wash the undercarriage very good and apply 2 coats of rubberized undercoat or truck bed coating to it and the sub-frame while everything is out, the same to the shock area and rear under fenders.

2.Spray all electrical connections with electrical contact cleaner then use your air blow gun to remove the cleaner and dirt/grime, then apply a dab of electrical connector grease to the connections.

3.Replace the knock and oxygen sensors as well.
The knock sensors are getting hard to come by if you have the screw in type with threads like I did.

4.Replace your old speakers if needed, a short in them will cause electrical issues with your amp and head unit as applicable. Replace your ground strap that go to the tranny and the crankshaft position sensor, at this point, the heat and time its been down there, its ready to leave you stranded.

5. Clean your door window seals with a flat head screwdriver over a black rag and window cleaner.Debris will scratch the window as it rolls up and down.

6.Polish the outside windshield with glass polisher compound, so you see better at night.At its age, it has a lot of microscopic pits.You can polish all your glass if you want.

 

moving ahead removing the old water pump

 

Water pump, fill housing, thermostat, thermostat housing, outlet pipe, new rad hoses, by-pass hose in. Changed the oil pan gasket and onto the rear seal

 

Making some slow but steady progress. New valley hoses installed, new knock engine sensors, intake reinstalled and rear crank seal replaced given the transmission is out

 

You are on the down hill now! You got my vote for Canadian DIYer of the month.

 

working away on a complete replacement of the rear suspension components

 

I bet this baby will drive like a dream once all is said and done.

Keep up the good work!

How many miles are on the odometer?

With the oil pan off it looks like it might have missed an oil change or two.

Perhaps a compression test is in order, if you haven't done so already.

 

The engine has 60K it was replaced under warranty for the owner (my Uncle that passed away) 110K on Odometer. It is a 2002 crate motor replacement according to the vin on the engine and the Jag dealer. Compression was checked before I started the tear down all was good. Thanks for the moral support its going to be a long haul

 

I have a phoenix red coupe with cashmere interior. But I have the chrome revolver wheels. That is the only rarity I have on my Jag. At a recent British car show I had several Jag people question the authenticity of my chrome wheels? Very strange. I'd assumed they were genuine since it was a Ford executive's car at one time from new.

The thing that disturbed me was the other hose at the base of the cooling tower. I did not know that was even there. How dare they hid things like this!

Cudos to you or your mechanic for the on the job after hours libations.

Beer and car repair go hand in hand.

Thank you for the pictures. Lets us know what may be lurking.

 

As for the chrome wheels I have chrome Apollos, what I've been able to find out is Jaguar did not offer these in chrome but it was common practice for dealers to have the wheels chromed and sell them as an option on new cars.

 

I only get a day a week to work on her so its a slow process. I will keep adding pictures as I go and if I come across anything I will be sure to post it thanks all!!

 

Transmission completely rebuilt by local transmission shop. Mechanic older guy from Germany went through everything he had to do. A drum was replaced, all seals and clutch plates. I will be putting it back in a few weeks. Moving onto the suspension and coating the underside with POR-15

 

Pay special attention to the assembly line mounting points behind the front tires on the floor pan under the foot well. I have had to fix floor rot in those area's. It might be easier to pull up the carpet to reveal what might be lurking. The spot will be under your left foot heal drivers side (US) in the driving position. Opposite for the passenger.

I made a patch and had a body shop epoxy bond and rivet it in place. Then rhino liner undercoating.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ight=floor+rot

 

will do thanks!!

 

Decided to refinish the trans before I pop it back in. Used PlastiKote Rebuilders' Caste Finish. Good up to 300 F.

 

that paint looks GREAT !

 

Well changing out about 90% of whats in the back so decided to drop the whole thing. I have used sub-frame parts and another differential on the way. I'll post pics of the rear end rebuild shortly

 

when replacing the thermostat for the metal one you might want to consider either hex bolts for the rear bolts or cutting a slot in the bolts that a screw driver can fit into. that way if you ever need to remove it you can get at them with either a long ball tip hex wrench or a long screwdriver. just a thought .

 

Differential bearings, housing O-rings, pinion head and tail bearings, pinion oil seal and case breather all changed out. New drain and plug drilled and tapped into the base as well

 

It is a huge inspiration to see you trucking along on your project.

Mine is starting to get on the rough side, a lot of body work is needed, and your post have given me the extra push to finally get going on returning her to her former glory.

Great work as usual and I can not wait to see this gorgeous project completed (I'm sure you're more excited than I am haha)

Good luck!