Hello, Jaggers (Is this a proper way to refer to people owning Jaguars?):

My name is Bengie Rodriguez. I am 60 years old (I mean, new!). I am a Realtor in the NortWest of Puerto Rico, where the nice beaches are. I love cars. Have always dreamed about owning and enjoying a XJS Convertible, but haven't found it.

I'm just starting. It is the first time I register in a Forum. My objective is to share information, find parts and accessories, sell my Jag or any other item or part, and find answers to mechanical questions or solutions to problems with my car.

I own a 2003 Jaguar S Type R Supercharged 4.2L (I believe); black exterior, white interior, rear trunk spoiler, 18" wheels, automatic; sunroof; 73,000 miles; double muffler tips; never wrecked; impecable body and interior.

My car's problem: I bought it three (3) weeks ago. I am afraid of using it because the previous seller lied about it's mechanical condition. The day I bought it I sensed it smelled like engine oil was burning underneath. I told the seller. He said he had the car for two years and he didn't saw any leaks. I laid down on the floor and looked at the engine from below; it is a difficult view. I rubbed my hand underneath I brought it out all dirty of fresh oil and old sticky oil as well. I did not buy the car that day.

He left angrily. I loved the look of the car, though. Next day he calls me to thank me for telling him such oil thing; said he took the car the same day to the shop and found the oily thing to be caused by a broken oil filter, which apparently was hit by a stone and was leaking. He said the wind blew the leaking oil to the manifolds and the heat burned the oil. He had it cleaned and washed. So I went to his garage, saw the car clean, shined and beautiful and ...WHALAAA!...Bought it!!!

While driving back home with my Black Beauty, I smelled burned oil again. So I took it to a friend's Front Suspension Shop, lifted the car up, went underneath with flashlights and BINGO! The leak was coming down from the cilinder or valve cover gaskets.

I don't want to take my car out and be looked by everybody because of the smell and fumes coming out of the maniflods under my hood. I am frustrated with my decission of buying a Jaguar. Everybody was telling me jaguars where a piece of junk, problematic cars. For three weeks I have tried to find, through Internet, Jaguar parts vendors for this gaskets and I am very concerned of the repair bill. Is it an easy job at the shop? What is the average bill? Can someone help? Also, I need some parts, which I will post for later.

It's a pleasure to feel I have, for the first time, an army of friends out there, willing to help.

 

Hello Bengie and welcome to the forum. We have a section devoted for each model and you'll find some very knowledgeable and helpful people there who can assist you. Just go to the S-type section (S-Type / S type R Supercharged V8 - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum)

 

Welcome to the forum,

Head on over and see what the S Type guys think.

 

Thank you for your reply. It was helpful.

 

Welcome aboard.

Hope we can help.

 

welcome aboard bengie, great to have you with us here at JF

Really nice intro thanks for sharing. Glad that you found your way here with your Jag and I'm sure the S type guys can help

There really are some amazing and friendly guys here....you're in really good company to discuss anything Jag related or have a few laughs!

A really great mix of information, camraderrie and fun
I've manually upgraded you to full forum access so you can better view the site and all its features

 

03 2003 Jaguar S Type Valve Cover Gasket Set - Engine Mechanical - Felpro, VR Gaskets - PartsGeek
and 4 hours shop time labor, no big deal and a straightforward easy repair

 

Hey, Brutal:
Thanks for the "link" on the subject; you know, the gasket thing. Anyway, if was my fault not mentioning that my model is 2003 S Type R (Supercharged, 4.2 L v8). Anyway, let me tell you guys that I went to a specialized european car mechanic; famous in the neighborhood for his Top Notch Repair Shop and also famous for what he charges (bills) for his services. He sat on his computer and, after 10 minutes of search, came out with the same news you just gave me: 4.5 hours of shop work, for which he normally charges about $400, but being the case that he "knows" me, will do the work for $180-$200 labor. I said "yes! righ away.

Searching the web, I found this company, Jagbits ( www.jagbits.com ). Dan took my call and serviced me with great respect and courtesy. He solved my problem temporarily by saying: 'We've got the parts you need; and it happens we have them in stock". I ordered a full kit for $259.95, and received it Second Day Air. My applause to JagBits. They do deliver on time.

My car is scheduled to enter the shop on Tuesday Jan 3, 2012. Two days later I hope to be a Happy Man again.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU JAGGERS IN THE FORUM!!!

 

Glad you're getting it all sorted out. Enjoy your new to you Jaguar in the coming year.