So this week I noticed a tappet noise from the drivers side bank so was concerned, noise was not loud but noticeable. I did a search and found some post about no comparable oil filters so look underneath and did not see a makers name. Now I bought Ronnie in September and according to the car fax it had had an oil change then at the dealers that offered it for sale. I decided to do an oil change just to be sure all was well, I have only done 1000 miles since September. Under I go and drain some very Black oil, and remove a NAPA gold filter that was bigger than the Jag OE filter that was going back on and had def been under there more than 1000 miles but it did fit. In went new Castrol High mileage 5W30 and all reassembled. Off on test drive and wonderful silence not tapping. Lets see what the next few weeks brings as Ronnie only gets driven a couple of times a week. Just shows again what you read on the carfax is not always gospel, also my trans pan looks very new but I have no evidence that it has been changed, so that's the next on my list. Really not looking forward to the plugs that I will get round too but they look scary to do.

 

Did you look at the dipstick when you bought it?

 

Plugs aren't too bad to do to be honest, did mine hour and a half both banks. When I dropped my oil it was black so put a generic engine flush in and put in cheap 5w30 oil to flush out the rubbish, followed by another oil drop and refill with royal purple. Much smoother to drive after that.

Next on my list drop and refill trans oil with new filter!

 

Bought car distance I am in NC car was in Florida, but had it inspected at Jag dealer and got a clean bill of health. Car is in good shape so was more concerned that Jag gave it a thumbs up.

 

Just noticed that you are on Florida XJ8 Red, car was inspected at Treasure coast Jaguar, and lived its life in Pampona and Ft Lauderdale. Hope I spelt that right.

 

I hear you Robert. I brought my car from another state and based my judgement on the jaguar Dealers "clean bill of health" only to find as you did that aftermarket filters etc fitted.
Basically the service history was pure fiction.
Replaced all the new filters and oils so I knew where I was at with it. Also found New brake pads on grooved out undersized discs all round,and front end ball joints were dangerous and on it goes...Also new oil and filter in the gearbox..Some dealerships shouldn't be!!

 

Got to say Treasure coast did not a bad job, my car was not being sold by them and the oil on the Dipstick did not look that bad. The basic pre purchase inspection varies from dealership. Jags pre inspection sheet is limited to major stuff Suspension, brakes that sort of stuff. I did get an inspection done at Scott's Jaguar of Charlotte NC and to say that was in depth and talk about bend over backwards would be an understatement, but they do get voted best Jaguar dealership so I suppose it , makes sense. I did want to do an oil change and the rest but did not get the chance over the winter, now it's on. Jags must be expensive in OZ.

 

Even if a few deserve to be called a 'Dipstick' it's not fair to call all used car salesmen such nasty names.

 

" Jags must be expensive in OZ" That is an understatement Robert. Your 2004 XJR here would be well over $20,000.00. We send the Holden Commodore to the US where they badge it into a Pontiac. From what I see on the "Net" that car here is $60,000 and they sell it in the states for $35,000.?? Like engine oils US $35-40 here $70-$80 for the same amount. I buy all parts for Jag on the net. New timing chain kit here is $1500 or so and inc post from UK is $650.....This is not the place to be a car enthusiast. But we have nice milk!

 

As you might be aware our $ is worth 3% more than the $US which makes it even worse!