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I'll answer for them. It's because the shop can make more money by marking up the used supercharger than actually doing their job.
Expect to hear that supercharger eventually making the same noise as your old one. Next time, don't let a shop work on it.
I really hope you put this shop on blast on social media and warn everybody you meet about them. They're unscrupulous and borderline criminal.
Oh trust me,
For the last 2 months I've been doing so and warning everyone to avoid the shop at all cost. Before I made this thread, over 300 people in my area was aware of the shop. I've been messaged privately from this thread as well in regards to where the shop was located to avoid it. Once the break-in period ends and I'm working on the car with my own two hands(in relations to engine), I'm making a Google review. And I have a high level on there so it wouldn't come up as spam.. but at the top.
Also my (original) supercharger wasn't even making a noise when it was running (while the blown head gasket issue was a-foot). It was coming from the passenger side bank block. I should've took my motorcycle and rode to the shop that day but I was tired from test taking and it was 20° F, riding the belt way with 50mph winds was not it for me.
I grew up with a mechanic/shop owner for a father, so most of what I learned was from him and experience being at his shop when he still had them in DC.
Going forward, aside from gaining experience I hope this situation helps people avoid them where I didn't have that luxury. While I could keep saying "I wish", I'll just take the situation for what it is and stick to my own repairs no matter the time.
Also... They had the nerve to say I should bring my transmission in on my 01 XK8 for a rebuild if it ever needs it.
And that's a nice looking XJ you have - many like that racing green/hunter green.
I agree with you, I'd just want to get away from that shop & get on down the road too.
Thanks!
The funny thing is when they had the wheel stolen(front right) they had to replace the tire pressure sensor. So I'm not sure if one of the ones previously on the car just flat out died or the new one is a defective/off brand. Something else I have to fix in time. Parts they ordered were supposedly from Jaguar Bethesda. For anyone wondering, here's the scan I took after picking up the vehicle. The battery may have been low but I'll clear and rescan later after more days of driving.
Lucky for you, I'm the type to provide an end to my stories once they reach it. I just like to wait so forumers don't feel edged on till the day it's done.
Since I'm already here, after waiting 10 days and keeping the advice of paying the outstanding charge then suing and realizing I myself... Do not have 2k more to pay ~ I have a lot of other bills to pay I put off to accumulate the 10k in the first place.
I stayed on option A and B, wait for a text back or B start legal action to either get the 5,500$ back or the car...
On January 10th, I messaged him to reinforce, my firm standing saying I will not, be coming back for warranty work as a result of this decision. Part of me was rather afraid to say this as they could sabotage the car but of course I should have the ability to inspect before final payment and proceed with the break in procedure.
I would send screenshots of the messages to give myself less to type but I'll just sum it up~
He sent a bunch of fast responses, and for his age being a 52 year old man against a entrepreneur in his 20's he messaged like a unprofessional Baltimore resident. And with each message he either told on himself or said a lot that could give trouble for his business in court that would aid me.
One example of what he said "getting your title is no problem" or "your car is the reason my business is in aial". Or"it didn't take 3 months but let's say it did" there was multiple forms of evidence including meta data, tow truck documents, quote start documents, screenshots etc. we knew it got there SEPT 30 2024.
And everything I sent was structured with thoughts a judge will see it so each statement I sent was clear short and to the point ~ without instigation from my side. No matter how much his response ticked me, I knew him getting furious would aid in a decision if I also stayed respectful, it would be like a one sided wall. I also avoided getting on the phone so that it's not he said she said, everything is in sms. (He tried to get me to call).
~~ Conclusion ~~
I will further update after the inspection of the xj and it's supercharged engine. If anyone wants to know the shop to avoid it, message me privately as I don't want to publicly defame the business until I review it in it's entirety.
So far I have 5400$ out of the amount he's asking so once I get the last part, I will pick up tomorrow and update accordingly. Just glad to finally have my car back after 3.4 months or to.
That is not defamation, that is telling your experience. Do t make stuff up and you are good. If simply posting negative experiences online is defamation, I mean...ever read Google Reviews or Yelp?
And totally not the point, but the 50 year old guy is the one using slang like "Bet" for OK? That's cringy AF. Honestly, it's annoying in general, cringy in a business setting, and really sad for a guy that old to be using the slang that all the young hip cats are using 😂😂. I'm 46 and would never say that. Ok is not even a word that needed a slang alternative lol.
That is not defamation, that is telling your experience. Do t make stuff up and you are good. If simply posting negative experiences online is defamation, I mean...ever read Google Reviews or Yelp?
And totally not the point, but the 50 year old guy is the one using slang like "Bet" for OK? That's cringy AF. Honestly, it's annoying in general, cringy in a business setting, and really sad for a guy that old to be using the slang that all the young hip cats are using 😂😂. I'm 46 and would never say that. Ok is not even a word that needed a slang alternative lol.
True, 😭 after I go in for the last thing I'll make the full review (Google & Yelp) with documentation and I'll publicly say the shop name here.
Thanks!
they had to replace the tire pressure sensor. So I'm not sure if one of the ones previously on the car just flat out died or the new one is a defective/off brand. .
From what I experienced, there's no real way to tell until you get eyes on the physical sensor itself.
With ours, we had tire places "scan" the TPMS's that were in the wheels, AND the dealership which spent 2 paid hours looking for a problem, and they all said that the sensors in the wheels were good.
That's why I didn't swap them out immediately, but when I did - they were an off brand and not even the right frequency.
Those "Alligator" brand ones that have been in there since before we bought the car in 2015 may be some of those that supposedly work at both 315 Mhz & 433 Mhz, but they don't work in the XJ.,
I thought that the TPMS "scanners" could tell the difference. Apparently not.
Interesting, I'll take a look at your thread and solve the issue once I get to it!
Currently I need to troubleshoot the other main issue which is all subs acting weak in the car and only playing mids and highs(Bower Wilkins). The fuse for the amp in the trunk is good (40 Orange) but I haven't check the fuse in the compart luggage space yet (5 tan). Solving one thing at a time
If they replaced your supercharger with a used one, I hope they returned your original unit. That way, you can overhaul it on the bench—remove the symposer, replace the coupler, change the fluid, etc. Then, when the unknown-mileage used unit eventually fails, you’ll have a freshly rebuilt one ready to swap back in.
Your experience with this shop is nothing short of unreasonable and unprofessional. You handled it far more calmly than I would have, that’s for sure. You spent nearly the car’s value in repairs and, on top of that, freed them from any future obligations to address issues caused by their work?
As mentioned earlier, a brand-new engine shouldn’t be misfiring, even when cold. That excuse was absolute nonsense. For your wallet’s sake, I hope at least one competent mechanic worked on your car—but based on your story, it doesn’t sound like it.
At the end of the day, though, if you’re happy with the car and enjoying it, that’s all that really matters
Last edited by SuperChargedXJR; Jan 19, 2025 at 01:09 PM.
And as I drive while doing some cosmetic repairs here and there I think about it. It did come to mind that I should attempt to get the original supercharger back (didn't cross my mind as I sat in the office) and I made a message out to the shop yesterday about it if they didn't already trash it or tried to make profit from it ~ lol. After I go in (special warranty time they call it) I'll make note for the request of realignment, and follow up on the supercharger. So at least I can have that for when this one goes out, and swap it in and maybe even do the same to the used one. If it's similar to the job I did on the A7, it should be doable for me when the time comes.
As for the engine, currently I've put 230 miles on it. It smoothened out more on cold start ups (slight misfire came from the side where the head gasket blew and 4-6-8 cylinder was affected and they replaced them & machined the block) but I can tell the oil has gotten thicker (I'm guessing from the debris from the new part ~) so I'm contemplating just changing the oil myself now rather than waiting to take it in for the ~ free one ~
Further more ~
I can also already hear I'm going to have to change my upper control arm ball joints.
And as I drive while doing some cosmetic repairs here and there I think about it. It did come to mind that I should attempt to get the original supercharger back (didn't cross my mind as I sat in the office) and I made a message out to the shop yesterday about it if they didn't already trash it or tried to make profit from it ~ lol. After I go in (special warranty time they call it) I'll make note for the request of realignment, and follow up on the supercharger. So at least I can have that for when this one goes out, and swap it in and maybe even do the same to the used one. If it's similar to the job I did on the A7, it should be doable for me when the time comes.
As for the engine, currently I've put 230 miles on it. It smoothened out more on cold start ups (slight misfire came from the side where the head gasket blew and 4-6-8 cylinder was affected and they replaced them & machined the block) but I can tell the oil has gotten thicker (I'm guessing from the debris from the new part ~) so I'm contemplating just changing the oil myself now rather than waiting to take it in for the ~ free one ~
Further more ~
I can also already hear I'm going to have to change my upper control arm ball joints.
I hope they did NOT put in break-in oil, send you on your way and now you’ve put almost 300 miles on it. Very quick way to destroy a new engine. I would likely do an oil change and filter inspection sooner, rather than later. If the engine and heads have been decked with a new head gasket there should be ZERO problem where the previous head gasket failed. It should be like a new car driving off the lot. Something is not right with what you’re putting down here - coming from someone that’s built a dozen engines over the years.
I hope they did NOT put in break-in oil, send you on your way and now you’ve put almost 300 miles on it. Very quick way to destroy a new engine. I would likely do an oil change and filter inspection sooner, rather than later. If the engine and heads have been decked with a new head gasket there should be ZERO problem where the previous head gasket failed. It should be like a new car driving off the lot. Something is not right with what you’re putting down here - coming from someone that’s built a dozen engines over the years.
I've checked, and no vapor are making it into the coolant reservoir when I use one of those blown head gasket testers to check for emissions vapors. And the coolant level goes up and down as it should during engine operation and cool down.
As for oil, I would hope they didn't, when looking at the invoice, for only SOME of what they specified they used it just states "Castorl engine oil".
Also no, I never pressed approved. When the work was done they did that themselves.
Of course, when I change it, I'll be using what is meant for the 5.0l S/C V8. Unless you have a different recommendation for the situation. And thanks for the advice, I've been watching everything closely since I've gotten it
They want me to pay a core fee for the supercharger
This is not necessarily uncommon. If they purchased the replacement one from somewhere that charged them a core charge and they were planning on returning it later, and they didn't charge you for it in your bill, then I'd say this is a reasonable request. Now, finding out all of those things to be true might take some doing. I'd honestly ask whether or not they charged you the fee in your bill (doesn't seem like it, at least not directly), but then I'd same something alone the lines of "Sure thing, I'll pay the core charge. Can you please send me a copy of the receipt from the supplier you got the replacement from that shows the core charge? I need it for my records as this vehicle will be used as a business expense." Sure, that last little bit may not be fully accurate, but hey, you may use it this year for business, yeah? You said you were an entrepreneur, so if you take that thing to get copier paper from the office supply store, well there you go. If they can produce you a document that shows a core, then you should pay it if you want the SC back.
This is not necessarily uncommon. If they purchased the replacement one from somewhere that charged them a core charge and they were planning on returning it later, and they didn't charge you for it in your bill, then I'd say this is a reasonable request. Now, finding out all of those things to be true might take some doing. I'd honestly ask whether or not they charged you the fee in your bill (doesn't seem like it, at least not directly), but then I'd same something alone the lines of "Sure thing, I'll pay the core charge. Can you please send me a copy of the receipt from the supplier you got the replacement from that shows the core charge? I need it for my records as this vehicle will be used as a business expense." Sure, that last little bit may not be fully accurate, but hey, you may use it this year for business, yeah? You said you were an entrepreneur, so if you take that thing to get copier paper from the office supply store, well there you go. If they can produce you a document that shows a core, then you should pay it if you want the SC back.
I agree, but if I were to buy a used supercharger for 1k with a request for core, I would think the seller would provide milage information and a condition report etc unless it's something like "crazy rays" here in the US. The shop owner in his words said "I don't know wassup with the supercharger so I don't know if it works as it should". I would only say that if I got it from a junk yard.
He said this after his test drive of the car. When you first cold start the car, at least initially after their job, restricted performance from misfire would come up and of course does what it does to our jags until it warmed up to at least a quarter way. So that's another thing that kinda tells me he's not a mechanic himself or didn't understand the car at least by that statement.
I'll text him that so I can at least see the receipt, I don't want to give them anymore money honestly. I shoved enough money out to those guys at this point considering.
If it helps any. If you can physically inspect the old charger look for the black rotor coating to be intact. Also if you turn the charger by hand in the direction for output a single sheet of paper between the rotor and housing should create a bind. This will tell you rotor alignment and potential bearing slop And lastly you cancheck gearlash by holding the input shaft and trying to rotate the rotor by hand. These tests can tell you if the charger is worth your time or not
If it were me, I would be taking samples of the oil now and during changes and periodically to send to Blackstone Labs for analysis. There’s so much you can tell about the current health and threats to the health of the engine with oil analysis reports.
