Hello fellow Jag enthusiasts/specialists,

With my recent acquisition of a 1998 XJ8 4.0, I've come to find out that the original engine was ran and driven to its sad death due to a broken radiator. Previous owner had a bit of an accident and nicked the lower half of the radiator and ran the poor cat without coolant.

With that said, I've managed to pull out the engine out myself and upon further inspection, it looks like I need a new (used) engine. Found a small hole the size of a pencil's circumference in two of the cylinder walls (different cylinder banks), no compression, melted intake manifold, melted coils, multiple melted sensors, etc...

I know I have sees some other threads that somewhat address this topic, but I'm really after specifics about engine interchangeability and what changes year to year in regards to sensors and such that can hinder the possibility of making a successfully transplant.

P.S.: If there are other items essential items I should consider changing given the situation, I'd love to hear suggestions

 

Other then mechanically fitting the Jaguar V8 series , there were some changes through the years . 98 - 99 started with the AJ26 engine and was superseded by the AJ27 , AJ28 , AJ33 , AJ34 .

ECU incompatibilities and wire harness issues that could be overcome . But I would stay away from the unlined steel sleeve cylinder wall AJ26

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaguar_AJ-V8_engine

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...inement-52292/

 

Why stay away from the nikasil lined engines? If the have lasted this long the bore is probably in better shape than a AJ27. The only thing that appears to damage them is severe overheating or lack of oil.

ramon_d may not be able to transfer parts from his engine to a AJ27 due to the heat damage.

 

You need to look for an engine from a 97 or 98 xk8, or a 98 xj8. I have 2 of these engines. I have one in North Carolina and one here in California. Shipping them would make them too expensive.

Search Craigslist and try to find these models that have been in an accident or have a transmission issue. I have found it is usually cheaper to find one this way than to buy one from a wrecker.

 

Thanks BobRoy, RJ237, and Lady Penelope!

As I have searched online, I have had no such luck in finding a donor car (yet). I did find this site, Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market and they show local listings of parts from salvage yards near and far and they seem to list a few complete engines for USD $900-1400 in my area

I understand Nikasil engines had their drawbacks when gasoline contained higher sulfur, but I suppose a good-running, good compression, Nikasil block will be fine as long as the aforementioned items are in check. OH, and also the lovely timing chain tensioners ;-)

Additional question for those who see this...What are the ideal compression numbers and variances from cylinder to cylinder when checking?

 

https://www.copart.com/vehicleFinder...null%7D&page=1

 

I wouldn't buy a car that you can start the engine. Check how it runs and see if it has any codes. You need to be careful not to get an engine that has overheated.

 

Ramon,

RobRoy is absolutely right. Stick to a 97 or 98 XK8 or a 98 XJ8 AJ26 V8 to avoid any incompatible control module issues. Good luck.

 

I'm tempted to make the trip once I have all the cash on hand and grab that engine from you!!!

 

There was a program on these AJ26 engines that had them totally swapped out for a different AJ27 ( I believe ) engine . The way to tell is by the engine serial number stamped somewhere can't remember

 

That I haven't heard of before, I do know that Jaguar-replacement engines had a greed placard on the passenger side of the engine behind the cylinder head I think.

But in the case of the AJ27 swap program you mentioned, I am guessing there was ECU swaps as well as engine wiring loom swaps as well, right? Or no?

 

That I don't have the experience to say , just as a probably yes . And worth not overlooking

 

The easiest way to tell the difference is the VVT. On the 97 and 98 they are in the timing cover in front of the head. On the 99+ AJ27 they are in the cam cover.

 

Thanks for that awesome tip! It's quite a discreet difference, but now easy for me to tell the AJ26 from the 27!

 

See page 1966 of this AJ27 engine in the S - Type jaguar , There is some troubleshooting information later in the Doc. that may be useful .

http://jagrepair.com/images/AutoRepa...M-Workshop.pdf

Otherwise TSB 303 - 43 and 47 are good .

Other Docs :

http://www.jagrepair.com/

 

He needs a an AJ26 for the easiest way to go. The models I mentioned are the only AJ26s. An AJ27 can be used but it will require extra work.

Also it will need to be N/A. No supercharger.