Hi to all,

It's not been a good day today as two weeks into my new Jag ownership (X308 Xjr), I have just diagnosed a head gasket failure
To say I am gutted is an under statement, but anyway onto my question, I am based in Wolverhampton West Midlands, can anyone suggest a garage to do the work, that is local, as main dealer is just too expensive.
Also how much have other people paid for this job to be done?
Thx Duncan

 

Are members XKRacer or SeanB close to you? Both of them are Jaguar specialists of this
vintage.

If you choose someone else, ensure that they use the newer 4.2L MLS head gasket if it
fits the AJ26.

 

Since you indicate that you are going hire a tech to do the work may I ask what makes you 'know' you have a head gasket problem?

Perhaps we can talk you out of it.

 

Hi,
I have checked the header tank and I am getting a fairly regular bubbles coming up, the oil is emulsified (milky), when I tryed to start it, it would not turn over (felt like it was hydro locked) then after a while it did start but a lot of condensation out of the exhausts.

Also the restricted performance is on?
So these are the reasons why I think it's a head gasket failure, I wish it wasn't lol, but I am not capable to do the work myself.
Thx Duncan

 

Yup!

Sounds like a head gasket if not a new engine at this point.

 

It never got hot I did find a water leak at the radiator which in turn brought up the low coolant light I stopped within 300 ft topped it up.

I think I got an airlock and caused a hot spot, the I'll probably not know for sure.

I am going to get both heads skimmed, new chains tensionors water pump and thermostat, and hopefully that should get me many more miles before I have to worry about the engine again.

 

Is there no possibility of financial assistance by the seller? This fault must have been noticed by them. Head gaskets don't go overnight.

 

Unfortunately, they do fail suddenly. If he checked the dipstick before buying the car and the oil was okay there is not much he can lay on the previous owner.

 

Yes I did check it was clear and I checked the header tank at the time as well, got to look at the positive side when I get this all done I shouldn't have any more engine issues for a while.

 

I am a little far away as I am in Norfolk...... But whoever yo get to do it ask them to fit 4.2 gaskets......

 

Hi why the 4.2 gasket set as opposed to the 4.0 ltr one? , also do you do this sort of work?

 

Yes I can do the heads...... Depends how far you want to go, normally I would do a whole head rebuild, so replace all of the gaskets, regrind the valves and what have you.....

I have done many 4.0 but how many 4.2s do you hear of failing, no where near as many. The 4.0 is a composite gasket and the 4.2s are a 3 layer metal gasket and a much better design

Then I can make it pretty if you want too

 

That's really nice, could you pm me a rough idear on doing the head gaskets timing chains thermo and pump.
Thanks