My 1998 XK8 Convertible (67,000 miles) and I met in Maui just a few days ago and now she has moved in with me. So far everything works. The mechanic who did the pre-purchase inspection recommends the following preventative maintenance (see attached).

I agree that the tires need replacing and I think that the two biggest risks to the engine are probably overheating and the secondary tensioners but am not clear whether the primary tensioners and chains need replacing as well (at $105 per hour, I have received an estimate of $500 just to remove and re-seal the two valve covers to see if it still has the original red tensioners). I'm not a mechanic and would love it if someone would look at the attached recommendations and let me know what does/does not make sense.

Thanks,
Napoleon

 

Welcome to the forum wotcham8,

You've clearly done your research and identified tensioners and cooling system as the two main issues on the early V8. Do you intend to do any maintenance yourself?

Unless there are receipts and service history to indicate otherwise, upper tensioners will still be the original plastic type and are a ticking bomb. Rectification does not automatically require replacement of all tensioners and chains but there is always the possibility of wear being found on dismantling. Not replacing worn parts would be false economy.

The plastic impeller blades on early water pumps can break up and thermostats do stick. Again, it's not essential to throw everything away and replace perfectly satisfactory parts. If the Thermostat Tower is leaking, then an aftermarket aluminium one is a preferable replacement to having another OE plastic Tower.

With both the worn balljoint and wheel bearing, they should easily be able to demonstrate the wear / play for you. Unevenly scrubbed tyres is a good pointer that something is wrong.

Overall, there is nothing unexpected on the list although they may be being a little too enthusiastic with the new parts!

Follow this link XK8 / XKR - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to the XK8/XKR section for help, advice and information. The 'HOW TO' thread at the top there is a good place to start for info on regular issues.

Remember to add vehicle details to your Signature to help others to give relevant advice. Go to the User CP button on the left of the top menu bar, then Settings & Options under Your Control Panel. Select Edit Signature and enter the details.

You can also visit the US Western Region section by following this link Western US - AK CA NV OR UT HI WA ID - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to find other members in your part of the World. We have other members in Maui and a second opinion from another Jaguar owner who can actually view the vehicle could be very useful.

Enjoy the forum.

Graham

 

Welcome to the forum Napoleon,

Good to have you with us.
Enjoy the forum.

If you haven't already done so you should add your car details to your signature to help others to help you.

 

Welcome to this friendly Forum, since when did one have to pay time for a tyre change ?
Some of the work (#2 for example) is easy DIY and now's a good time to start - you'll get all the help you need here.
Otherwise follow Graham's advice and enjoy your membership here.

 

Hey there and welcome aboard....... good to have you here with us here at Jaguarforums

Any useful site information you may need such as how to post pictures, edit signatures, add videos,
use the search facility etc, can be found here within the following link Helpful_information

Please also take the time to check out the regional section for your area!
There are lots of members local to you with the same interests with info on local dealers and possible meets.
Regional - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum

I've manually upgraded you to Full forum access so you can better view the site and all its features
Please Jump on in and enjoy the site.................

 

Welcome!

 

welcome to the forum and the Jag family. Follow the links above and you will find a ton of helpful videos, how to's, manuals, etc and a fantastic support team to go with it!! Enjoy the forum and the Jag.