I am considering doing a head gasket replacement myself on my 2006 Super V8 and have looked at a few threads in the archives and you tube videos on the process. One thread mentioned buying the timing tools on eBay for $45 but did not mention a source for the gasket kit he used for his naturally aspirated V8.

One jaguar parts source I contacted quoted me $395.95 for the SV8 head gasket kit and $295.95 for the timing tools, Part Number 303530k. Any suggestions for a source for the SV8 gasket kit and timing tools? and prices?

In a thread I started several months ago Bob suggested the process would take 24 hours VS the Jag Warranty time of 16.2 hours unless the mechanic had done this several times before. Folks in my British car club recently suggested I check with a good local Euro car mechanic who charges $70 per hour. That would be $1680 in labor if the local guy needed the 24 hours. Add to that the gasket kit cost and the timing tool cost (assuming he doesn't already have the tools) and it would be around $2400 total to have the job done for me.

I have done most of my own mechanic work on my collector cars, but am a little intimidated by the complexity of this car. I welcome any suggestions you guys have pro or con on doing this job myself and, as above, any suggestions on parts and tool sources.

 

I found a set of Chinese made tools on Amazon, paid $53.99. It was called 8milelake Engine Timing Tool Set for Jaguar/Land Rover.
They worked fine when I did my head gasket job last month.

The head gaskets are a commodity: available through several sources and they are common to many engines. Be sure to get new head bolts--I got a full set for less than $80.

I too was intimidated and really took my time with the job. I'm certain it took me 25+ hours after work and weekends. Although it seems like it, it's not rocket surgery. The worst part was fighting with the PS and A/C mount brackets.

I'm not finished so I can't tell you how it all turned out; will have some more time soon to finish.

please keep us all apprised!
marc

 

Thanks for the reply, Marc,

You give me a bit more confidence that I can do this myself if I am careful. I'll look up the timing tools on Amazon.

Where did you get your gaskets and head bolts? And is your engine supercharged?

I assumed all gaskets needed for the SC would be in a kit, so was looking at kits rather than individual gaskets. I figure I will also need a new valley hose too. I've already replaced most of the other hoses tracking down a coolant leak that likely lead to the head gasket leak and the backing off of the new top radiator hose.


EDIT 1: OK, I took the first step and ordered a timing kit on eBay at https://www.ebay.com/itm/Auto-Engine...UAAOSwBkRZ7a63 for $38.50. Nice that it is contained in it's own case.

EDIT 2: The same kit on Amazon was $54 and two reviews has these warnings: The camshaft locking bars are great! But the VVT setting tool (aka 303-654) should not be used from this kit! It has caused nothing but more work for me as the pins fractured off and created metal pieces inside the front timing cover. Unless you want to back track and remove the metal debris by removing tensioners ect. Avoid using the tool or find a better kit. Def not made to Bosch/Rotundia OEM service tools standards... You get what you pay for!

...when i went to use the vvt tool the 2 little pegs broke on me. Not good


Did you have any problems with using this kit? Perhaps forewarned is a good thing.

 

I was forced to order the Amazon kit, as the Ebay vendor will not ship to Hawaii (don't get me started on vendors who don't do the most basic homework on shipping). Looks as though all the cheap kits are from the same source.

I read the Amazon user warning on the pegs and used it carefully: no problem.

I ordered my parts a la carte, and my engine is the N/A version.