I would not worry too much about the Nikasil problem. I would worry more about the timing chain tensioners. We've only seen one engine condemned due to Nikasil failure. Now tensioners, that's another story.

 

^that, what ken was talking about, and the burning oil and misfire I would take to any jag-experience mechanic. See if you can get a diagnosis from an independent shop before going to the dealer.

 

If you're a relegious person, you could pray for divine intervention. Besides that, I doubt you can stop the smoke.

 

Do you have any engine codes? Maybe you can solve that with ignition coils... Just thinking by keyboard.

 

Sorry to say, but that's not much of a deal anymore, these cars have dropped in price like hotcakes. All cars are dropping, but I bought my car in Feburary only for it to drop more than $2k in 4 months. My car is a 98 just hitting 80K miles. It is in pretty good shape all around, but I see these now (98-00 usually) for around $5500-$6000 with less miles than that, even around the midwest. You won't really find a 98-99 that doesn't need tensioner's now. So add on another $1k at least, that'll bring you to at least$6,800.

If I were to do it again i'd go for an 04+, i've been drivingan 04 xj8 for almost 2 weeks now. in my opinionthey seem to be amade betterall around from a smoother ride to just a better feel in general. What a jump from the x308 that's for sure.I've seen lots for less than $14k with full warranties (about to expire i'm sure)

Do yourself a favor and like kenny there says, do the whole tensioner job. I'd check the $25 thermostat and get a metal water pump for $90, asthose are bound to go out if theyhaven't already.

Don't use cheap gas, and don't live in the south hah, and youprobably won'thave to wory about the euro nikasil mistake unless it's already toast. goodluck dude, hope this helps you out.

 

Audi uses Nikasil linings without any problems

 

take a deep breath, replace your tensioners while the mechanic has your car, and then enjoy your horsepower. You might want to replace the coils in whichever cylinder(s) is/are misfiring as well.

 

perfect man, glad to hear it.. ive no supercharger so I couldn't tell you, but that doesnt sound cheap hah.. i'm guessing at least $1200? Wish more people owned jaguars around here, could definitely use a jag junkyard around to snag pieces from!

How much will your mechanic score one for?

 

Trade it in for a BMW/Volvo/etc. and let the "seasoned pro's"
help you. If no one has had your problem it is very hard to figure out what is wrong with the car. Whatever it is it will cost you itsa Jag not a chevy

 

Well if you decide to do the tensioners (i'd do all 4) make sure your tech has the cam locking tools for that engine, mind didn't. My local mechanic did both sets/guides/blades for $624 total in less than 6.5hrs total. I watched most of it, a lil time consuming, but definitely NOT an intensive job.

I dislike beamers cosmetically, I dig DB9s though...very sweet.

If gas permits in the next few years, I plan on purchasing a newer 08 XJ, Love them all around!

 

oil in airbox is due to excessive engine blowby which is a definent issue with Nikasilengines especially engines that have been overheated and not maintained properly
is the part load breather clean?

 

leaking cam cover gaskets are the cause of the oil in your spark plug holes