Here's my dilemma: I was driving down the highway doing about 60 when the gas pedal slips, so I let off the gas, try again and nothing, so I let off and try again. There's this awful clunking noise and the car immediately starts smoking and rapidly decelerating. I pull off to the side of the highway, and it wont start, just "clicks".

"DSC NOT AVAILABLE" is the message.

Took it the mechanic, know it's the motor, so this leads me to my question:

Is there anyway to possibly use an engine from an older model XJ8 (or maybe even another engine altogether)?

I'm aware the 2003 and previous editions are all 4.0 or lower (to my limited knowledge) while the 2004 is 4.2, though I'm hoping for a solution that will be easier on my wallet.

Anything helps.

 

In the grand scheme of things I doubt it would save much money and would probably cost more as certain modifications would need to be made to the older motor. The trickiest thing here will probably be finding a good source for a used engine.

 

Read all the codes with a reader. It may not be a blown engine but something less worry some and expensive.

If it has blown then there are a couple of routes you could go down. Get a used 4.2 V8 or install some new American muscle.

 

How on earth do you know it's a blown engine before you have even heard back from your mechanic ? These V8s are pretty good engines. Presumably it has been serviced regularly and all ?

 

Welcome to the forum Jeff, nice to have you with us. When you get a moment stop by our new members area and introduce yourself ==>> New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum

The message DSC NOT AVAILABLE is not indicative of engine failure, it's for the traction/stability control and the ABS braking. Although from your description (smoking/clunking noises, no start, etc.) it does sound like an engine problem.

It's all speculation until the problem can be diagnosed accurately.

In the worst case and engine swap would be possible with a number of donor vehicles, the 4.2L naturally aspirated V8 is shared with the X350 XJ, S-Type, XF and the XK, so you are not limited to the XJ as a donor car. You could also use the 4.4L from the 2006 onwards Land Rovers / Range Rovers (the Jag engine, not the BMW one)

See more info here https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/j...k-4-2-a-23763/

I would be hesitant to go "backwards" to a 4.0L unless you can get it for free. The age of the 4.0L (they are all 12 years old, or older) means you will struggle to find a low-mileage one anyhow.

 

Hole in the the engine block is the diagnosis. So, from my knowledge, the engine is totaled, correct?

 

I've heard of cracks which are repairable but frankly you're better off replacing the whole engine. Are you looking to replace with a rebuilt, a new or a used (donor)?
What's your end goal and how much longer are you looking to keep the car?
How many miles are on the car? What other types of maintenance is planned? Does it have sentimental value because:

The base 2004 XJ8 with standard options and about 100k miles is worth about $3700 in fair condition (which of course yours isn't)

If you are looking for a rebuilt engine (4.0 or 4.2) you will spend more than the car's value. From a math perspective, you'd be lucky to break even. A rebuilt will be around $3500 if you hunt for one but that doesn't include labor.

A used engine would fair a bit better but the labor will still be killer.

So yes, I think it can be done but the question is are you saving any money and I think the answer is no.

I hope this helps you decide.

 

Yes, "totalled" seems the right work unfortunately.

Have you driven through any deep water recently ? Reason I ask is because water ingestion into the engine can cause hydraulic locking in one or more cylinders and as water is incompressible, the con-rod bends, and eventually snaps and exits through the side of the block.

I think fitment of a replacement Jaguar engine is the best way to go, assuming you can find one that is compatible with your car, and fairly near to hand. You need a bare engine of good provenance that can take all the ancillaries and not need any special work. This way you should be back on the road quite quickly.

 

I would imagine that availability of a good used engine is likely. These engines are well built and long lasting, there should be plenty to choose from. Just put on a search. A used engine with from 50,000-80,000 should be easy to come by. Obtaining one and having it installed will likely equal or exceed the value of the car so you have to decide how much you like the car.