Hello everyone. Im new here. I was condisering buying a 1997 xj6. 62k miles. I test drove it and noticed it had a small bang when shifting into second gear from first. I dont think it is that serious but it obviously isnt gonna get any better with time. Who knows, maybe a trans filter and fluid service would help. Also after the test drive i put my hand on the engine with it idling and it seemed like it had a misfire. I heard it could be a coil which isnt to bad( $58) part. The plugs were done recently. But whos knows, misfire can be several things. The check engine light wasnt on either. very small misfire. The exterior and interior are very good by the way. Any suggestions on these two possible major concers? Thanks in advance!

 

I can't comment on the transmisson issue.

Idle misfires can be tricky. If you sense that it's a single cylinder issue it might be an ignition coil or an injector problem. If multiple cylinders it might be an engine management issue.

The OBD II system on the X300s is somewhat reluctant to set a trouble could and/or turn on the check engine light....so lack of a check engine light doesn't gurantee much of anything :-)

Don't be surprised at coil failures. It's a known issue with the X300s and seems to be increasing as they all hit 15-18 years of age. Beware the $58 coils! They have a well established history of early failure.

The X300s are good cars with a good reputation but they are not immune from eventual age/mileage problems.

Cheers
DD

 

Cheers Doug! Thank for the reply!

 

NewGuy12,

As Doug stated be aware of the cheap coils. The transmission not shifting smoothly sounds like a valve body pressure valve from not changing the transmission fluid. The ZF transmission is close to bullet proof with proper maintainence.

 

thanks guys. think im gonna walk away from this one. trans prob and possible misfire scare me. im still looking though.

 

In my opinion a slight misfire is common and nothing to be too concerned about they are usually cheap fixes and as stated these are very reliable cars and the more I drive mine the more I love it. Trans problems are a different story.

 

Thanks for the advice guys. I just noticed that the radiator was leaking the the bottom corner. I called all the autoparts stores in town, (auto zone, aadvanced, napa..) and none could get it. autohausaz or rockauto.com dont heve it either. i did see a couple online ranging from 450-500. yikes!!!! anyadvice on where to get one of these radiators. 1997 xj6

 

Surely you could pull the radiator and take it to a radiator repair shop. They will disassemble, clean and make any repairs needed. Should be much less than a new one.

 

So, did you end up buying the car?




Might trying calling some Jag specialists and see what they have. Coventry West, Motorcars Ltd., Welsh jaguar, etc.

$400-$500 isn't necssarily out-of-line for a radiator on this type of car.

Cheers
DD

 

Certainly worth a try or at least a couple phone calls.

But.....

If it's a plastic tank radiator the repairability might be limited.

(I ashamed to say I can't rememeber if the X300s use a plastic tank radiator or not....and I'm miles away from my car and can't go look!)

Cheers
DD

 

Depends if the plastic tanks are cracked or broke in some way. Reputable shops should be able to reseal them if it's something like the rubber seal leaking.

 

i have a radiator for sale you can have for £150 but i am in yorkshire u/k

 

I did not end up buying the 97 with the misfire and the trans problem. I am looking at a 96 now. Its black everyting is good except the radiator and the power mirror switch. Yes, you guys make a good point about bringing it to a repair shop, instead of buying a new one. What type of auto trans fluid is good for these cars as if i buy this thing i want to take the pan down, change filter and clean the magnet. Thanks.

 

Dexron


Cheers
DD

 

thanks

 

Newguy12,

I have a radiator and fan setup for 250. Radiator has no rust or leaking and fans work great.

Its in New Orleans

 

I'm not sure what criteria are in use in radiator shops. Had a cracked plastic tank on the Excursion radiator, removed it and took to a radiator shop, $97 and 4 hrs later it was good to go with a new tank installed, and all clean and sparkly inside and out.

Daughter's S Type spring a seeping leak, appeared to be at the tank-to-header seal, no visible cracks or anything....removed it and dropped it off at the same shop....and after several calls saying "We're trying to find some parts" by the end of the day, they reported, "better go see the dealer, we can't fix it nor can we find anything that will fit to sell you."

Excursion TurboDiesel radiator is common to the F-Series Super Duty sold from 99 thru 03, which probably covers a few more units than S-Type 3.0L's so that may be the difference. Good luck in your search. I thought I'd been tracking an X300 radiator on eBay and was going to post a link....but when I looked again, it was for the S-type, sorry.

 

The criteria, I think, is availability of new tanks and seals :-)

Cheers
DD

 

bandre, im interested in your radiator but i live in CT. shipping cost might kill me. i will be in touch though and appreciate your offer. I will be picking this car up one day next week..