A local mechanic in my town is selling an XJ8 for 600 bucks! He said it doesn't start though and that it may be a compression problem.. Is this typical in these cars? Does anyone live in Riverside county that can take a look at it because I honestly dont know a thing about Jaguars and its a good deal!!

 

It may very well need a new engine. If the Nikasil* cylinder cylinder linings have worn, it may not have enough compression to start and would need a new engine. There are a couple of other reasons why it might need a new engine as well, such as the infamous timing chain tensioner failures, or even a water pump. Personally, I'd be pretty leery. But if you're looking for a project and don't mind risking a few hundred bucks, it might be worth it.

*search the threads for "Nikasil" for more info.

 

Beyond tensioners and Nikasil check this link for all the other issues to be aware of: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=24282

In fact, check out the FAQ sticky on the XK8/R forum for lots of discussions on all issues.

Unless you are capable of doing the work yourself, and there are many of us around to help, don't buy something you are going to have to take to a shop for repairs. You probably would not choose to spend your money that way.

 

As test point stated, check out the faq's etc. There are lots of reasons this car may be inoperable. Here is a link to a long block on ebay to give you an idea of engine replacement costs. This one is $2,295 + shipping.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Jagua...item1c134fea6e

That may only be the start, but you want to be sure everything else is good or at least know what is at issue so that you can do the math on the total cost!

 

If the car can be started and runs decently without blowback and you can do your own work then buy it. It would be a bargain!

 

I am somewhat familiar of the drawbacks of the Nikasil engines, mid 90s BMW 7 series were made with Nikasil blocks. On a BMW you can read a number that indicates whether it is Nikasil or Alusil. Is there a way to tell what block it has somewhere? The mechanic said his sister just drove the car and it stopped working so hes thinking compression issues. But in my XP thats the last thing it generally is with cars I mean what about fuel pump, or something along those lines??

 

All the Jaguar V8's were Nikasil for a couple years past '98.

 

I would buy it, break it and sell the bits, you'll make money that way.

 

I think that might be what Im going to do. I would have thought all of the bad Nikasil engines would have died out long ago.

 

Mine stop working and it was the fuel pump and guess what my car has 2 pumps so that was 1800 to fix....