Both Valve Cover's Needed for 2004' X-Type 3.0L V6
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From: lake worth
Both Valve Cover's Needed for 2004' X-Type 3.0L V6
Hello All. Thank you for this forum!
Last July (2025), I purchased a 2004 X-Type 3.0L V6 for my wife.
This is my first Jaguar and so far, so good.
I just had the spark plugs changed (misfiring), and they had oil on them. My mechanic says that both valve covers are needed and they need to be new. Ever since that moment, it has been a roller coaster ride; from: "The Replacement Valve Covers are Everywhere" to: "There are none left on planet earth" 🤔😁
I am not a mechanic so I could really use some help with this. A.I. is saying that most owners are just replacing the gaskets because the covers are so hard to find.
This is the part number that I got from the Jaguar dealership who told me that they are "'Obsolete." C2S48786, C2C38781.
Any help for an amateur would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
-Bigg
Last July (2025), I purchased a 2004 X-Type 3.0L V6 for my wife.
This is my first Jaguar and so far, so good.
I just had the spark plugs changed (misfiring), and they had oil on them. My mechanic says that both valve covers are needed and they need to be new. Ever since that moment, it has been a roller coaster ride; from: "The Replacement Valve Covers are Everywhere" to: "There are none left on planet earth" 🤔😁
I am not a mechanic so I could really use some help with this. A.I. is saying that most owners are just replacing the gaskets because the covers are so hard to find.
This is the part number that I got from the Jaguar dealership who told me that they are "'Obsolete." C2S48786, C2C38781.
Any help for an amateur would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
-Bigg
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From: home
Yes dump AI it's junk.
Valve cover problems have been posted many times. It is a real problem. Do some searches on the forum to get how others have solved this. There are a number of ways it can be done.
.
.
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Valve cover problems have been posted many times. It is a real problem. Do some searches on the forum to get how others have solved this. There are a number of ways it can be done.
.
.
.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 449
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From: Baltimore
Dealer parts are obsolete but aftermarket new parts are readily available from SNG Barrratt, JagBits, and even Amazon. I haven't checked but other good sources of "obsolete" parts for the X Type are TerrysJag and Welsh Enterprises (on the web as welshent).
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From: Utah
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 13,692
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From: Wise County,TX
Rock Auto has the cam cover gaskets/seals.
FEL-PRO VS50615R PermaDry Molded Rubber; Includes Spark Plug Tube Seals and Valve Cover Grommets Right and Left SET
MAHLE / CLEVITE VS50673R Molded Rubber; Includes Spark Plug Tube Seals Info
Right; Valve Cover Washers
MAHLE / CLEVITE VS50673L Molded Rubber; Includes Spark Plug Tube Seals & Valve Cover Washers Info
Left; Valve Cover Washers
Just replace the seals unless the cam covers are cracked/broken.
FEL-PRO VS50615R PermaDry Molded Rubber; Includes Spark Plug Tube Seals and Valve Cover Grommets Right and Left SET
MAHLE / CLEVITE VS50673R Molded Rubber; Includes Spark Plug Tube Seals Info
Right; Valve Cover Washers
MAHLE / CLEVITE VS50673L Molded Rubber; Includes Spark Plug Tube Seals & Valve Cover Washers Info
Left; Valve Cover Washers
Just replace the seals unless the cam covers are cracked/broken.
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Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 2,136
Likes: 629
From: NSW, Australia
The 3.0L engine is the same for X-Type and S-Type.
You did not specify, what the problem with your cam covers is, but I have a pretty good idea:
They are dissolving like cardboard in the rain, especially around those holes, where the cam-cover-bolts go thru - right?
The reason is - as I had to find out already - that the cam-covers are made of Magnesium Alloy, and Magnesium in the vicinity of Aluminium and Steel will dissolve (it's called electro-corrosion).
Here is my thread about it:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...-263509/page2/
The thread is for the S-Type, but as I wrote above: Same thing.
Look especially as post #31. There is a P/N change for the right cam cover according to VIN number (of the S-Type) - how that translates into the X-Type 3.0L, I do not know.
Using Magnesium is clearly a Jaguar-design-failure. But as I intend to drive my S-Types for much longer, I got myself a little stockpile of those cam-covers now. A few years ago (I think 2022) I placed orders from 2 different sellers on Alibaba - that is the site, where you have to buy a few more parts, so that they are willing to send you anything at all, and you have to ask them for a price and cost and method of shipping. Making a wrong decision regarding shipping could cost you an arm an a leg in the end.
You did not specify, what the problem with your cam covers is, but I have a pretty good idea:
They are dissolving like cardboard in the rain, especially around those holes, where the cam-cover-bolts go thru - right?
The reason is - as I had to find out already - that the cam-covers are made of Magnesium Alloy, and Magnesium in the vicinity of Aluminium and Steel will dissolve (it's called electro-corrosion).
Here is my thread about it:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...-263509/page2/
The thread is for the S-Type, but as I wrote above: Same thing.
Look especially as post #31. There is a P/N change for the right cam cover according to VIN number (of the S-Type) - how that translates into the X-Type 3.0L, I do not know.
Using Magnesium is clearly a Jaguar-design-failure. But as I intend to drive my S-Types for much longer, I got myself a little stockpile of those cam-covers now. A few years ago (I think 2022) I placed orders from 2 different sellers on Alibaba - that is the site, where you have to buy a few more parts, so that they are willing to send you anything at all, and you have to ask them for a price and cost and method of shipping. Making a wrong decision regarding shipping could cost you an arm an a leg in the end.
Last edited by Peter_of_Australia; Apr 14, 2026 at 06:56 AM.
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Junior Member
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From: lake worth
The 3.0L engine is the same for X-Type and S-Type.
You did not specify, what the problem with your cam covers is, but I have a pretty good idea:
They are dissolving like cardboard in the rain, especially around those holes, where the cam-cover-bolts go thru - right?
The reason is - as I had to find out already - that the cam-covers are made of Magnesium Alloy, and Magnesium in the vicinity of Aluminium and Steel will dissolve (it's called electro-corrosion).
Here is my thread about it:
https://www.xerotica.com/video/two-a...ugh-52252.html
The thread is for the S-Type, but as I wrote above: Same thing.
Look especially as post #31. There is a P/N change for the right cam cover according to VIN number (of the S-Type) - how that translates into the X-Type 3.0L, I do not know.
Using Magnesium is clearly a Jaguar-design-failure. But as I intend to drive my S-Types for much longer, I got myself a little stockpile of those cam-covers now. A few years ago (I think 2022) I placed orders from 2 different sellers on Alibaba - that is the site, where you have to buy a few more parts, so that they are willing to send you anything at all, and you have to ask them for a price and cost and method of shipping. Making a wrong decision regarding shipping could cost you an arm an a leg in the end.
You did not specify, what the problem with your cam covers is, but I have a pretty good idea:
They are dissolving like cardboard in the rain, especially around those holes, where the cam-cover-bolts go thru - right?
The reason is - as I had to find out already - that the cam-covers are made of Magnesium Alloy, and Magnesium in the vicinity of Aluminium and Steel will dissolve (it's called electro-corrosion).
Here is my thread about it:
https://www.xerotica.com/video/two-a...ugh-52252.html
The thread is for the S-Type, but as I wrote above: Same thing.
Look especially as post #31. There is a P/N change for the right cam cover according to VIN number (of the S-Type) - how that translates into the X-Type 3.0L, I do not know.
Using Magnesium is clearly a Jaguar-design-failure. But as I intend to drive my S-Types for much longer, I got myself a little stockpile of those cam-covers now. A few years ago (I think 2022) I placed orders from 2 different sellers on Alibaba - that is the site, where you have to buy a few more parts, so that they are willing to send you anything at all, and you have to ask them for a price and cost and method of shipping. Making a wrong decision regarding shipping could cost you an arm an a leg in the end.
My XType wouldnt start. Turned out to be a sensor (near the throttle body). After that was replaced, (probably before, too.);the vehicle started rough idling. We found misfiring plugs so while replacing the plugs, we found oil in some of the plugs and my mechanic says it's the covers that need to be changed. He said they have to be new not used. .
Apologies. Im not a mechanic
Thanks so much for the insight. You answered a couple questions I didn't even know I had.
😉
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From: NSW, Australia
I better post that link again:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...-263509/page2/
It's my long story of finding my 3.0L S-Type cam-covers. (Same for 3.0L X-Type) I was also going mad about the P/N's.
If you look in that S-Type link in post 31, I finally figured out the mess about the P/N's.
I also asked the seller on Alibaba, if he knows, what material exactly they have used for the new ones. He was not sure, but his guess was: Still Magnesium Alloy, but less Magnesium...
> ...we found oil in some of the plugs and my mechanic says it's the covers that need to be changed.
I don't quite understand this: What does "Oil in the spark plugs" mean?
Oil on the spark plug from the outside (the part that protrudes out of the cylinder head), or oil inside at the gap, where the spark occurs?
Either way - none of those 2 option would explain to me why new cam covers are required.
I mean yes, they could be damaged due the reasons I pointed out above (Magnesium), and the effect would be that oil is leaking out of the top of the engine - giving the impression that the cam-cover-gaskets are buggered, but it may well be much worse: The cam covers themselves...
> ...Apologies. Im not a mechanic
This might give you a bit of insight:
It's nice to see, how an engine moves and why...
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...-263509/page2/
It's my long story of finding my 3.0L S-Type cam-covers. (Same for 3.0L X-Type) I was also going mad about the P/N's.
If you look in that S-Type link in post 31, I finally figured out the mess about the P/N's.
I also asked the seller on Alibaba, if he knows, what material exactly they have used for the new ones. He was not sure, but his guess was: Still Magnesium Alloy, but less Magnesium...
> ...we found oil in some of the plugs and my mechanic says it's the covers that need to be changed.
I don't quite understand this: What does "Oil in the spark plugs" mean?
Oil on the spark plug from the outside (the part that protrudes out of the cylinder head), or oil inside at the gap, where the spark occurs?
Either way - none of those 2 option would explain to me why new cam covers are required.
I mean yes, they could be damaged due the reasons I pointed out above (Magnesium), and the effect would be that oil is leaking out of the top of the engine - giving the impression that the cam-cover-gaskets are buggered, but it may well be much worse: The cam covers themselves...
> ...Apologies. Im not a mechanic
This might give you a bit of insight:
It's nice to see, how an engine moves and why...
Veteran Member
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 2,136
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From: NSW, Australia
> Oil in the plugholes means the seals around the plug tubes are leaking
Yes, I know. But I held off on giving THAT diagnosis as I want to confirm with dog first, what the issue is, as I don't fully understand "we found oil in some of the plugs".
Yes, I know. But I held off on giving THAT diagnosis as I want to confirm with dog first, what the issue is, as I don't fully understand "we found oil in some of the plugs".
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Joined: May 2022
Posts: 222
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From: San Diego, CA
FWIW I went through this. My conclusion (which may be wrong) is new covers are not readily available for the X-Type, but are for the S-Type. Part numbers vary with VIN - SNG Barratt has the details on their website.
Although the S-Type and X-Type have basically the same engine, the longitudinal orientation of the S-Type, and transverse orientation of the X-Type leads to some important differences. The "LH" cam cover on the X-Type (at the front with the oil filler) has an extension for the water pump drive. That is not present on the S-Type.
I'm unsure if the "RH" cam cover is the same part number for the X-Type and S-Type.
Its a terrible idea to make these out of magnesium (I think its an alloy - not pure magnesium), it just corrodes too easily. I bought some used ones that were in better condition than mine.
Note the design intent is that gasket and all the little rubber pieces serve as isolators to prevent the dissimilar metal from making contact.
BTW - oil in the plugs might refer to oil around the plugs in the plug "wells". This is typically due to failed rubber gaskets (like O-rings) between the cylinder head and the cam cover. If the cam cover is very badly corroded at this gasket area, it could be the reason the technician is advising new cam covers are needed. The other potential reason for needing new covers, is if the area around the fasteners is badly corroded leading to difficulties fitting the covers and getting a good seal.
As stated in a previous post, unless the covers are terrible, new gaskets (including O-rings for the plug wells) are likely all that is really needed.
HTH, Dave
Although the S-Type and X-Type have basically the same engine, the longitudinal orientation of the S-Type, and transverse orientation of the X-Type leads to some important differences. The "LH" cam cover on the X-Type (at the front with the oil filler) has an extension for the water pump drive. That is not present on the S-Type.
I'm unsure if the "RH" cam cover is the same part number for the X-Type and S-Type.
Its a terrible idea to make these out of magnesium (I think its an alloy - not pure magnesium), it just corrodes too easily. I bought some used ones that were in better condition than mine.
Note the design intent is that gasket and all the little rubber pieces serve as isolators to prevent the dissimilar metal from making contact.
BTW - oil in the plugs might refer to oil around the plugs in the plug "wells". This is typically due to failed rubber gaskets (like O-rings) between the cylinder head and the cam cover. If the cam cover is very badly corroded at this gasket area, it could be the reason the technician is advising new cam covers are needed. The other potential reason for needing new covers, is if the area around the fasteners is badly corroded leading to difficulties fitting the covers and getting a good seal.
As stated in a previous post, unless the covers are terrible, new gaskets (including O-rings for the plug wells) are likely all that is really needed.
HTH, Dave
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