I purchased a high mileage xj8, 2000, with a bad motor. A little oil and a strong battery and it is fine. Wife is happy with a hot rod Jaguar(62) and her stock one...

 

Did the previous owner say it had a bad engine and that's why they were selling it? How many miles are on it? How much oil did you have to add in order for this engine to be ok again??

 

The oil was added to the cylinders.... The mechanic told the owner it needed a timing chain. 218,000 miles

 

Good old bore wash strikes again..
Wonder how many cars go scraped because of it..
But also, at 218K have the tensioners been done?

 

I have no maintenance records on the car, nothing but golf score cards found. seller only had car since Feb2016 and i never dealt with him, only a mechanic. Starts and runs well now, i am into it right and will drive it for a while.

 

Please replace the plastic tensioners and guide blades!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I would check to ensure they have been updated.

bob

 

now that should be an exhibit in the tate modern

 

Bob,

That is just too funny! You and I both know that there is no way that any plastic secondary tensioner can't last 218K miles! I'm sure it's been changed. I think the highest mileage plastic tensioner that was moments away from junking the engine was about 135K miles that I caught just in time. If you've come across one that was higher...please share!!

 

Cleaned up nice, everything seems to be in order...

 

Looks to be a Vanden Plas, the most luxery version. Nice catch!