Have a 97 X300, 70Kms LWB import from Singapore.

Engine like new but coating lifting off rocker cover next to oil filler cap.

Enquired today to have the rocker stripped and recoated using a hi tech system and was told that the lifting has been caused by the breakdown of the magnesium in the makeup of the cover, and they can't oblige!

Anyone else had this problem? any advice.

 

Hello Boyo,
I have exactly the same issue, and I beleive there's not a lot can be done.
My mechanic removed one for another client and had it polished and it came up well, but needs repolishing as it slowly oxidises. It does look better than the flaking, blistering coat that mine has.
I did discuss this issue with Andross at Jaguar Spares here in Auckland (Don't know if you have as yet had the pleasure) but he warned me against removing the cover as apparently the magnesium becomes very delicate in around the wells and can easily crumble. That was enough to make me decide to put up with the less than perfect finish!

 

This is probably in the top 3 of most common X300 issues.

Eventually the coil wells collapse as mentioned and oil floods the plugs. I haven't really tried to do anything about mine, but I did consider stripping and powder coating until I read that the heat can warp the cover. I doubt re-coating will help much, as the rot will continue under the new coating. You'd have to do an EXTREMELY thorough job of removing all the oxides, which is difficult as the corrosion can run in very deep veins.

BTW, I think the climate in Singapore accelerates rocker cover corrosion (along with ruining the head lining). It seems worse in the Singapore cars I've seen.

 

Thanks Guy's, where's the razor blades? I am taking the car into HPC Coatings (Manurewa) tomorrow for an expert opinion as they are the people whom started the ball rolling on this issue! (no disrespect intended to your helpful advice), I will let you know what happens.

Thanks again for your help!

 

Hi Oubadah,

What are the other 2 issues you mention??

Cheers

 

He said, "Probably in the top 3..." they are legion, as-it-were, after all, 15-13 yr old cars.....this thread has a fair list. I've seen an even more complete one but can't place it just now....

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=45648

I'd bet if put to the forum at large...there'd probably be at least 5 candidates for the "3 most common..." if not 10 or more!

 

Cheers aholbro1, you would be correct of course.

Continuing saga:I spoke to Andross today (Jag Mechanic) whom confirmed everything that had been said, any hi tech attack on this unit would be a waste of time, if the cover looks OK after removal, a good degrease, hand rub down (no bead or sand blasting), form a good key and use a top of the line 2/3 pack epoxy paint.

Anything I should know about removing the rocker cover.......please!!!!

 

Who's Andross? A NZ Jag specialist I should know about?

 

Andross is a jaguar wrecker based in Onehunga.
His business is called Jaguar Spares.
You will find his contact and address in the phone book.
He is an interesting character who knows all there is to know about Jaguars. Can be interesting to deal with.

 

Apologies Oubadah, the info was meant for jagqueen and yes, I spoke to Andross today! a mind of interesting info.

It appears that everyone whom owns an X300 has the same problem with the rocker cover, and someday between 90/150Km or so this piece of the mechanical jigsaw will most probably ..disintegrate!! whilst I am amazed by what appears to be
an "accepted" fact surely someone out there has developed an Alloy or appropriate material as a replacement.

 

I rubbed mine down and sprayed with alooy wheel silver paint. Its almost the same colour as original and hasn't started peeling or anything yet. Did it about this time last year