im seeing all different answers as far as how many quarts to use. I bought 2- 5 quart jugs so i know i have more then enough. 1998 XJ8 if anyone has a sold answer id appreciate it. Seems like a simple oil change from the info ive read.

 

I've forgotten quarts after all these years, and then the difference between ours and yours is just too silly for words.

I put 9litres including the filter, and "most" are either spot on the full mark, or just a mm or 2 over, no biggy.

There is probably a chart on "google" somewhere to convert litres to US spec, dunno.

 

Make sure you use a genuine Jaguar oil filter - it has a non-return valve in it which is important.

 

1 liter is 1.05 Qt, that seems like a bit much? anyone else?

 

I think I used 7 quarts, that'll at least get you close, to maybe a bit higher than the full line on the dipstick.

I'd be surprised (in the US, at least) to be able to find a filter that did not have an anti-drainback valve in them. Lots of good options out there (including the dealer part if you like).

 

thanks! yea im gonna shoot for 7 and just check it after it sits for a few mins and see how it reads on the dipstick.

 

I've had 7.4 and 7.9 quarts put into my 2003 XJ8.

EDIT: My manual says to use 7.9 quarts when changing the filter (cooler) but one of the places that I had the oil changed told me they looked it up on their computer and it called for 7.4. I haven't changed my oil myself yet (too hot around here, and I'm too lazy!) so I haven't been able to verify either number. You might be able to find the manual online in the sticky posts of this forum sub-section.

 

Very confusing. I read everything regarding oil changes on these engines, and went to do it today. I just finished. Used 7 qts, and started the car, ran the car for 5 min, shut it off, and let it sit for 30 min. The reading on the dipstick is a "tad" over full mark! So how come some people put 7+ (almost 8 qts in some cases)?

I used Castrol syntetic blend 5-30, and changed the filter too. I know there are MANY opinions about the brand of oil, but I like Castrol.

 

yea i plan to do what you did, and use 7 and see what it looks like afterward.

 

in your Jaguar Handbook, it says that you should fill the engine with oil, and it should be 1 cm above the full indicator on your dipstick

 

I just read EVERYTHING the book (Vehicle Care) from 98 VDP has to say about oil, and I can't find this "1 cm above full" reference ANYWHERE. Could you please tell me where (which page) you found that?

The same book clearly says to fill with 7,9 US qts, but 7 qts got me 5mm (1/2 cm) above full mark. The book also says that "if the oil level is ANYWHERE between the two marks, no topping off is neccessary". It does not mention anything about going over the top mark. As I work on many engines (from cars, to motorcycles, and airplanes), I know that too much oil can be as harmfull as not enough oil. It would be interesting to sort this out. I am completely sure mine is OK with 5mm above full.

 

Here's some reading for you https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...verfill-57708/

Please let us know if this clears everything up or confuses you more.

 

Thanks, but this added more confusion. Looks like the factory itself keeps changing its mind from year model, to year model. Oh well. I'll fill mine with half of quart more, and at 7,5 qts it should be safe. I have a habit of chaecking my oil every week, so I don't anticipate any problems in that department.

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/undertaker414/8103497079/http://www.flickr.com/photos/undertaker414/8103494605/
sorry i wasnt more clear, look at the Number on your dipstick and determine whether or not you need to add the extra oil

click the picture to get a larger view of the numbers

 

7.9 Quarts (8L) of oil. 6.9 quarts is for the old
spec engine, 1997ish. 7.4... I don't even know
where that comes from.

Anyway, even the 1997 should be filled to 7.9qt.

running 1L low is unlikely to cause issues, but if you
consume any oil (and you're running 7qt), you will
starve the bottom end, and the rod bearings will
slowly die. Beware!

Ian

 

Ok, you guys convinced me. I will pull the dipstick, measure 1cm above the top dot, and cut the notches with the file. If you all are running it like that (and no froth!), it's good enough for me. I'm going with Castrol syntetic blend 5-30, and I will change it every 5K (I did it day before yesterday). Local quick lube places want 60 bucks for the Castrol (organic) + filter, and that's what it costs me just in material, but I like doing it myself for the piece of mind.

Had a HORRIBLE experience years back with a Jeep in one of those places. They hire "technicians" off of the street (or highschool dropouts), and they ruined my tranny. Never again. And I just don't want to go through the dealers because of wasted time, and their snotty behavior. Had a "recall" on my Benz few weeks ago, and they told me it will take "approximately 1 hour",......3,5 hours later, I got the car back (of course they HAD to wash it, although it was pristine!) with gobs of tire dressing on the tires, that made the car black by the time I got it home.

That's California dealers for you! I'll do it all myself, at least I'll know it's done right.

 

Funny story about your MB getting washed -- I had a new Acura washed when I brought it in for service and since it had streaks on it, I made them do it again! It was perfectly detailed before I brought it in! From that day forward, they wouldn't wash my car without asking me first.