1999 XJR and Nikasil issue
#1
05-20-2007, 07:06 AM
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1999 XJR and Nikasil issue
Hi,
Couple of days ago I got a very good private offer for the used Jag XJR, the car was put in service in the end of 1998 and is apparently is the one which has the dreaded [:@] Nikasil [:@] issue. The car in question has 60'000 miles on it, was driven carefuly and always regulary maintained by Jaguar workshop, it is in absolutel pristine condition. It is a European car and was driven in Europe. Unfortunately most sites mention the Nikasil problem, cause, symptoms and results but none really speak about probability of the breakdown.
So, my question is: If I do the full checkup of this car, including engine compression tests and it will come out good, how big is the chance that the engine will still blow soon? Am I buying something which comes with "breakdown guaranteed" seal ? What are the chances of Nikasil XJR to reach 100+k miles without engine rebuild?
Thanks!
Couple of days ago I got a very good private offer for the used Jag XJR, the car was put in service in the end of 1998 and is apparently is the one which has the dreaded [:@] Nikasil [:@] issue. The car in question has 60'000 miles on it, was driven carefuly and always regulary maintained by Jaguar workshop, it is in absolutel pristine condition. It is a European car and was driven in Europe. Unfortunately most sites mention the Nikasil problem, cause, symptoms and results but none really speak about probability of the breakdown.
So, my question is: If I do the full checkup of this car, including engine compression tests and it will come out good, how big is the chance that the engine will still blow soon? Am I buying something which comes with "breakdown guaranteed" seal ? What are the chances of Nikasil XJR to reach 100+k miles without engine rebuild?
Thanks!
#3
05-20-2007, 05:18 PM
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#4
05-21-2007, 12:55 AM
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Posts: n/a
RE: 1999 XJR and Nikasil issue
ORIGINAL: Envy337
It's going to break down.
It's going to break down.
Also as far as I understand it will not just die on the spot, when process starts I still have around 5k miles before car is totaly unusable, correct?
ORIGINAL: Envy337
If you want the car that much, invest in a rebuilt engine.
If you want the car that much, invest in a rebuilt engine.
What is the realistic price I am looking at when shopping for new engine?
How complex is engine change, how long does a professional Jaguar shop needs to swap engines?
Questions on questions
#5
05-21-2007, 11:08 AM
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RE: 1999 XJR and Nikasil issue
From what I understand, if it has not had the problem as of yet, then it probably won't. Sulfur content in gas has decreased significantly in the past few years and Chevron makes a gas additive that protects the internals from sulfur that I have been using as a precaution. I have a '99VP with 43K on the odometer and she runs smooth right now. I am more worried about the chain tensioner problem inherent to these vehicles.
#6
05-21-2007, 11:56 AM
#7
05-21-2007, 05:33 PM
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#9
05-21-2007, 05:35 PM
RE: 1999 XJR and Nikasil issue
ORIGINAL: ken@britishparts.com
Timing tensioner failures have caused far more problems then the Nikasil issue. I would be far more concerned about rattle at start up. I've seen only one engine fail due to Nikasil.
Timing tensioner failures have caused far more problems then the Nikasil issue. I would be far more concerned about rattle at start up. I've seen only one engine fail due to Nikasil.
#10
05-22-2007, 09:23 PM
RE: 1999 XJR and Nikasil issue
ORIGINAL: Don.Key
...It is a European car and was driven in Europe....
...It is a European car and was driven in Europe....
)
#11
06-02-2007, 10:33 PM
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RE: 1999 XJR and Nikasil issue
I think if it was driven in Europe continent (not in Britain), the car must have seen very little high sulfur fuel. Since high sulfur fuel is no longer available in Europe and US, you have very little chance that the engine goes bad due to corrosion.
Nikasil engine was used in MY2000 as well, so be careful. I have heard even a VIN starting with F does not mean that it is Nikasil free.
I would check compression and if possible have leak-down test done. If the engine is good, you should be good. Although timing chain tensioner is known to be a problem, XJRs are not as prone as XJ8s with VVT. I have heard that VVT does stress the chain, causing the chain to skip and such. But it is a very good idea to replace them as soon as possible. Now you can get all metal (supposed to be better stuff) tensioners. Also, tensioner failure tends to be triggered by overheating due to failed thermostat and/or water pump. Replacing TS and water pump (new generation one is all metal) is also a good idea.
Nikasil engine was used in MY2000 as well, so be careful. I have heard even a VIN starting with F does not mean that it is Nikasil free.
I would check compression and if possible have leak-down test done. If the engine is good, you should be good. Although timing chain tensioner is known to be a problem, XJRs are not as prone as XJ8s with VVT. I have heard that VVT does stress the chain, causing the chain to skip and such. But it is a very good idea to replace them as soon as possible. Now you can get all metal (supposed to be better stuff) tensioners. Also, tensioner failure tends to be triggered by overheating due to failed thermostat and/or water pump. Replacing TS and water pump (new generation one is all metal) is also a good idea.
#12
06-09-2007, 12:27 PM
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RE: 1999 XJR and Nikasil issue
Hi, some weeks ago I was at the 308 seminar held by JEC in Coventry and this issue was discussed with the technicians training the Jag dealer in the UK (they were invied by JEC to conduct the service seminar). Their response to the issue was as follows;
- the Nikasil problem occurred with high sulfure gas, something that was/is prevailing with less concerned gas stations.
- always conduct a compression test before buying.
- engines with silver oil sump are rebuilt engines.
- if it has not yet failed, the bores are very good as the Nikasil surface treatment gets harder over time (assuming of course that the engine has been serviced properly).
- if the engine is good today, and you continue to run high quality gas, the advice was that the engine will prevail and you will have a good runner.
(my car is a '98 308 with 80k and running like a charm...however, I do agree with those that recommend to be far more concerned about the chain tensioners...they will faile unless they are changed. Another issue is of course the waterpump, the blades will fail on the wrong version and cooling be non-existent.)
- the Nikasil problem occurred with high sulfure gas, something that was/is prevailing with less concerned gas stations.
- always conduct a compression test before buying.
- engines with silver oil sump are rebuilt engines.
- if it has not yet failed, the bores are very good as the Nikasil surface treatment gets harder over time (assuming of course that the engine has been serviced properly).
- if the engine is good today, and you continue to run high quality gas, the advice was that the engine will prevail and you will have a good runner.
(my car is a '98 308 with 80k and running like a charm...however, I do agree with those that recommend to be far more concerned about the chain tensioners...they will faile unless they are changed. Another issue is of course the waterpump, the blades will fail on the wrong version and cooling be non-existent.)
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