I scored a good deal on a non-running XJR this weekend. It will be 2-3 weeks before it arrives, but I thought we could go over the know problems and recommended replacements so I could start making a list and finding prices. I don't mean to frustrate the "searchers" but I would like my own thread. I have learned a bit with searching however. Anyways, you game?
A little history. Not my first rodeo, 1 XJR, 1 XK8, and 1 XJS came before this. However, haven't had to do much work on them.
This is a 99 with 72k miles. VIN SAJPX1844XC859951
It was parked in 2008 with rough idle, and when it was finally considered for repair this year, no start. I know this is common from flooding to pump failure and everything in between, however, I think sitting for 4 years may play a factor.
Would I be correct in guessing that this probably still has the plastic timing tensioners? If so, would this be one the first things I would want to replace? Could it have deteriorated and jumped time? What other weak points are there that have been addressed in later models or the aftermarket? Any service bulletins to be aware of? I saw mention of an ECU flash. Memory also tells me that there was some improvement to be made to the supercharger as well. With the low investment, I'm thinking we can make this better than factory... even if I have to do the 4.2 conversion
Thanks everyone

 

Better than making lists and prices would be to read the entire section from the beginning of time to the present. As you educate yourself, you will find that any list that you made earlier will change as you learn.

It's doable in two weeks if you read diligently every night, skipping some of the more obvious time waster threads.

 

Well, so far both fuel pumps are DOA. Tank is out and boiled, new pumps have arrived, and should have everything back together in the next day or so, and then we can see if it will start. Wish me luck.

 

I would sure check the tensioners. If it jumps time, the result is a disaster.

 

I'd agree.

 

Good battery........checked?
Fuel supply........Checked?
Cam covers open, tensioners.....check?
Coolant, oil, tranny leaks.....checked?

Start, and plug OBD, get the codes (if any), and you're good to go.

And DO let us know how you're coming along.

 

Do not turn over the car without checking the secondary tensioners
Do not turn over the car without checking the secondary tensioners
Do not turn over the car without checking the secondary tensioners
Do not turn over the car without checking the secondary tensioners

 

Oh mate....I do hope not?

 

Just a friendly reminder warning- I learned that lesson a few cars back...

 

The car is a shop that has alot of expereince with Jags, and they are aware of the tensioner issue. I suggested looking at them first, but they want to check the timing, turn it over cold, then go for start. If it runs, then they pull the valve covers and check the condition of everything. I don't understand their logic, but it's on their head if they screw it up.

 

I would (in this EXACT order)
1. remove valve covers and check cam timing/tensioners YOU HAVE TO DO THIS ANYWAY NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, why not do it first? I am not ASE certified, but it seems you might as well look into the main (well known) problems associated with no starts first. On a side note- how will you PROVE they bent any valves if they do? Easy enough to blame the pre existing issue on bent valves (which it very well may be) but if they pulled the covers, at least they would KNOW before potentially causing it to happen.
2. check compression- if low add oil to the cylinders and see if it comes up.
4. begin troubleshooting based on the basics (fuel/air/spark)

It ran poorly, then wouldn't start- classic cam timing and/or cylinder wash scenario.

 

And if they "screw it up" do you really think they will tell you it happened AFTER they cranked it? I'm betting you will hear, "Yep, we determined that the timing chain jumped and you need a new engine"!
But, you pay yout money, you take your chances.

 

That makes absolutely no sense at all. If they have experience,they should know that it may have already jumped time due to the tensioners. That could have caused the rough idle condition that got it parked four years ago.

DO NOT ALLOW THEM TO TURN OVER OR START THE CAR WITHOUT CHECKING THE SECONDARY TENSIONERS!

Vector

 

Because they are Jag techs we sometimes assume they will not be stupid and grenade the motor.

What is the definition of ***-u-me again?

 

Unseen- any updates?

 

I hope they didn't blow the engine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb4eZ7Z5yk8

Vector

 

ROFLMAO@ the video clip

 

Car is running. No chain slap on startup. Has a little tick, some front end noise, and the idle is off, lopes out after a few min. I assume this is the rough idle that I mentioned in my first post, and the reason the PO parked the car in the first place. Timing off? I think I will go ahead with the third-generation tensioners, should I get chains and rails too?

 

Also, how do you guys feel about 225/40/18 tires to replace the 255/40/18 that are rotted? I asked because i have a set laying around.

 

You are on the right track with vacum. How come this experienced shop you took it to, can't figure out why it's loping? Did you open the cam covers?