Hi,

I'm considering purchasing a 2002 XJR with 145,000 miles on it for $1000. The car runs and looks good except for it overheats after about 10 minutes. I'm aware of checking the water pump, thermostat, checking oil and radiator, etc. My only concern is the connection/hose that sits under the supercharger. Give the limited information that I have give you. Would you make the purchase? The car is 9 of 10 with this issue resolved.

Thanks,

 

Yes, but with that many miles and the age I would plan on changing all the hoses. If the temp. gauge goes into the res you could be doing some serious damage as it often doesn't move until it is over 220-230. Check the exhaust for white vapor, antifreeze odor.

 

I would be concerned about a head gasket issue. But, it's worth that price for parts alone, and if it's in good shape its worth the work to get it right.

Do the cooling fans run?

 

The car has a leak around the supercharger. I think there may be some serious damage but I am hopeful that I can fix it. Will definitely have to remove the supercharger to take a look at the extend of the leak. The engine sounds rough. I will post a video as soon as I can.

 

Here's the video. Car sounds rough. Is the motor trash?

 

Take the SC belt off and see what it sounds like

 

I'll try that. Thanks, Will post updated video after

 

From the video the engine is indeed poorly - there seems to be a couple of noises, the thonk thonk noise could be a spun crank bearing.
But with engine overtemp events on these engines there's the chance it has dropped a valve seat(s)
There is also a timing chain tensioner/guide issue to consider, (plenty of info on checking their condition on this forum) plus a worn supercharger.(this can be rebuilt)

It's a lot to call from a 20 second video. But if you can find a replacement engine, and carry out the swap yourself - its a worthy project as the car looks to be in great condition.

 

 

Thanks. I will try it then post another video.

 

 

Just got it home today. Will remove the sc belt but I'm about 99% it's the timing. No spun crank bearing. No knocking. It may need a valve job. Will post video.

 

Update: I removed the throttle body in search of coolant leak. There is a flimsy rubber hose that runs from under the supercharger to the back of the engine. It appears that I will have to remove the supercharger to get to the hose connection under it. The supercharger appears to be a hand full to remove. Any advise on a work around would help. Are there any instructions on remove the supercharger?

 

I have no idea how to remove the supercharger. I tried, but it was way too difficult to do.

I ended up cutting off the hose at the bottom of the supercharger, and yanked it out from the other end.

Then I put the new hose from the bottom of the supercharger and use a string to pull it out from the other end. Made the connections to the new hose and done.

It was still a very painstakingly job. I had to remove the intake air box, throttle body, work in tight spaces...

 

Thanks for the info. So that hose goes the of the engine under the supercharger to the back. I’ll try this method. My plan was to cut the hose where the hole is located insert a metal pipe then use clamps to secure the hose to the pipe.

Using your method, do I need to remove the grill?
Thanks for the help.

 

I forgot to say I removed the hood, some coolant related metal housing stuff at the front for better access. I didn't remove the grill.