Hi all. I have a 2003 Xjr-the older 1999-2002ish body style which runs fine until it heats up. I start it up, drive let's say 30 miles then park. When I start it up again it runs very rough. Or after driving for long distances or sitting in traffic it starts to run very rough. I took it to a local British car shop not to be named and they quoted $6,000 to replace all kinds of gaskets including the supercharger gasket. A mechanic friend from northern cal says it sounds like some sort of vacuum leak that opens up when the engine is warm. He recommended a smoke test. Is there a knowledgeable and honest Jag mechanic in the LA area who doesn't charge dealer rates? Thanks.

 

There was a great one in Yucaipa many years ago, however at this juncture
I am unsure if he is even there anymore. Maybe other members have better
resources.

 

Thanks Randi. The good ones seem to be the older ones but they retire or sell out to less qualified younger guys.

 

When is the last time you did standard maintenance on it....oil, plugs and boots, brakes, and the oft forgotten part load breather (build up occurs)...just getting an idea of your scenario. A smoke machine is a good idea, here is the one I use, nice simple unit... ...I would be more sus of vacuum lines than gaskets. For which may just have a bit of dry rot or perma-formed ends and you may only have to trim off about a 1/4" and put them back on (optional for you to replace the line). I did that with all mine a number of years back, cleaned up some roughness. At minimum it eliminates a source of possibility, is cheap an easy and doesn't take all that long (maybe an hour or so of time).

 

I just bought it last June and haven't driven it much. I've put less than 500 miles on it. When i started driving it regularly it developed the problem. I plan on doing all that you mentioned but need a good local mechanic as I don't have the time or skill to turn my own wrench.

 

Call sundwrenched auto in mission viejo. Tell them what you have going on. They used to work on my 06 str via the previous owner of my car. They are sraight up and fair

 

Richard Boyd at RMB Auto on Cleon just north of the bike path on Chandler. I've used him for 20+ years for 5 different Jags in that time. He grew up around the cars and knows them inside and out. He primarily services Jags but also other Brits. Very honest and very reasonable.

RMB
818-753-1784
5421 Cleon Ave
North Hollywood, CA 91001

Regards,
Chris Cordone
1995 XJS Convertible
2002 XJ8

 

funny. I have a lot of repair paperwork on my car and there is one for the original owner from that place. Small world of exceptional jaguar indies i think

 

Thank you so much. I'll give him a call right now. He's close by too.