Hi, i have an XJ8 with some internal damage caused by a hole in the oil filter. After a new filter and refilling the oil, the car still has a pretty pronounced knock.

So I'm looking into either repairing the bottom end, or replacing it.

From what I've read, it looks like the 4.2 has better timing tensioners, and no Nikasil issues, so I think that is a more favorable engine than what I have now.

But the confusion I am running into is understanding all the acronyms, and what engines are adaptable. I'm NOT LOOKING TO ADD A SUPERCHARGER but that seems like what all the forums are talking about.

So can anyone tell me just what motor I should look for, and what I may have to adapt or reuse from my old motor?

Looking forward to getting this kitty back on the road.

 

Sorry, this car is a 1999 XJ8 with 116,000 miles

 

You need an AJ26 4.0L engine from either XK8/XJ8. This for straight drop in, other engines like the later AJ27 4.0L or AJ33 4.2L will need a number of parts swapping out, it becomes a way bigger job. You can revise the timing to bring it up to later spec.

 

The 1999 NA engines are AJ27. The SuperCharged engines were still AJ26 until MY 2000.

bob

 

Does the AJ27 still have the same problems as the AJ26? (cam tensioners, Nikasil)?

I'n not trying to add supercharging (although that would be cool) I just want to replace the engine and hopefully eliminate the haunting issues.

 

ALL Jaguar V8 engines had the early chains/tensioners UP TO ENGINE # 2001, August 12 , 11:59PM. (0108122359)

bob

 

Nikasil is not a problem, it was when there were high sulfur fuels many years ago. The tensioners would still need to be changed on earlier AJ27. It's always best to inspect.

Bob beat me to it.

 

I have 2 Nikasil engines (1999 XJ8L & 2001 XJ8) and no problems with the engines burning oil or low compression/blowby. (I ain't skeerd)

bob

 

would this engine work ?
2004 JAGUAR XJ8 4.2L V8 4DR #2 USED ENGINE MOTOR ASSEMBLY OEM | eBay

or should I just keep with the AJ27 like I have and update the tensioners?

 

With enough time and energy ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.

People put Chevy V8s in Jaguars.

bob

 

My Vehicle has had the original Nikasil engine with plastic tensioners replaced with a revised engine with the steel tensioners. Both engines were supercharged as the car s an XJR, and luckily I didn't perform the swap. Taking this on requires all new controllers, wiring harness, body computers, and the like. By far the easiest option in your situation would be to find a similar year engine (even if the linings are Nikasil). This would be essentially a drop in replacement, as opposed to requiring all the electrics replaced as well. Consider the fact that even changing the tensioners out yourself included with the engine swap may be less work than trying to adapt a newer engine into the car.

However, the sky is the limit when it comes to things such as this. With time and money and some knowledge pretty much any engine could be made to work. Find a solution that works within your budget and skill level and make it happen.

Best of luck!