I've owned a 2003 Jaguar XJ8 for about three years now. When I bought it, it was in great shape, runs great and only had 42K on it. Ever thing is still the same (it has 52K on it now) but it has developed an oil leak. I have taken it a local mechanic (cause I'm engine challenged) that came highly recommended by other locals with older vehicles (both domestic and foreign).

The mechanic insists that the leak is in and around the oil pan. He has replaced the oil pan gasket twice. He replaced a couple of hoses that come out of the oil pan. He has just replaced the oil pan. (he has only been charging me for parts after the first try with the gasket) There is still a leak! It leaks bad if you ask me (not just a drop but more like the size of a dinner plate).

I've read several of the posts within this forum about oil leaks and it seems it's a hard issue to figure out cause of the many places leaks can come from? I'm looking for a list to pass on to him for him to check once he has the engine all wiped down again. Even if I go to another tech, I want to be armed with a list of places for them to look....

Also, pondering whether it's time to cut my losses (I'm $850 in - the new oil pan was $580) and move on? I would like to ask for my money back on the oil pan and new gasket cause it doesn't seem to be the issue?

 

You are posting to the wrong forum as this is for 2010+ X351 XJs post to https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-x350-x358-28/ or https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xj-xj8-xjr-x308-27/ whichever your XJ model is

 

Did mechanic applied silicon gasket sealant in between the new gasket before installing the pan? Did he do a cross bolt tightening in sequential pattern & torque the bolt on specs?

 

I will ask, thank you.

 

One more thing, if your mechanic applies a silicon gasket sealant (RTV), you have to leave your car in the shop overnight. The cure time for RTV sealant is around 24 hours to be effective. The newer ones claim "dries in 1 hour, fully cured in 24 hours"

 

If this is a X350 there is supposed to be a flat washer with the oil drain plug that should be replaced every oil change. Most cheap oil change shops fail to replace it. It’s an inexpensive part, even when ordered from Jaguar. (Jaguar’s is a metal washer, Perhaps plastic ones if even used.)

 

I think the leak he is talking about is from the pan edges and NOT the drain plug.
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I wonder if the crankcase ventilation system has a blockage somewhere like a PVC valve as that could create pressure in the crankcase and the result is a blown oil pan gasket, Just a thought

 

Thanks for all the suggestions on what to look for.

 

Hey Everyone. Here's an update: 2 shops, four oil gaskets, silicon gasket sealant, and two oil pans - still leaks!!

I'm now given two shops in my area a shot at stopping this oil leak. The second shop has also determined that the leak is coming from the edge of the oil pan. They installed a new gasket, still leaking. They now suggest a new oil pan because the new oil pan that was put on by the other shop is slightly warped (they think). Jag no longer makes new parts for this year's car so when looking on eBay for an oil pan (which there are tons of) but have no idea they are any good.

Is there a used online parts supplier in the US for these cars?

Any other suggestions for a silicon gasket sealant?

Thanks!

 

Do you understand that you are asking about a 2003 XJ8 in the wrong forum?