Gents
I looked at a 99 XJ8 locally and noticed three-four problems:
1) leaking around the water pump
2) bushings near the thrust arms in the rear are starting to wear
3) This is the big one for me. When I reved the engine the electroincs would flicker so there's a short somewhere.
and let me add
4) MILD rough idle at start up, but smooths out for the most part after it gets warm

Has anyone delt with the above issues? Cost/ease to fix? I really like the car but those things, namely the short, concern me.

Thanks everyone. This forum has been great so far

 

Bumpity. If a new battery doesn't fix this would the next thing to look at be a voltage regulator or alternator?

 

What do you mean by "the electronics flicker" ? Just trying to make it easier to diagnose. Do you mean the dash display flickers ? Or everything flickers (lights, dash, climate control). If everything flickers, it might be a ground or power connection. This is common (corrosion, bad connection). The power stud at the false bulkhead is a good candidate, or the main ground strap itself. It's tough to diagnose on a car that you are just looking at, so people will be cautious at stating a sure cure. Maybe more info will help. Do you know the age of the battery ?

 

I agree, too many possibilities. If you know someone with a code reader, that would be a lot of help.

 

the major concern is the third issue

 

He's putting a new battery in if I buy the car so I hope that fixes it. when I say flicker, the interior lights were on because the door was open and they dimmed and flickered when I reved the engine.

I appreciate you guys helping with this - I'm sure this is the auto equivalent of calling tech support and saying "my computer doesnt work".

 

I'm noticing that all Jags have a bit of a "lope" to them. This one was a little rougher than others but it didnt throw and codes.

I'm alsp coming from the BMW world where all those straight 6 engines are silly smooth.

 

None of my V-8 Jaguars lope. Thankfully, neither does my V-12. My old XJ6 is another story.

 

MCM, check out the electrical link in my signature, it will show what parts to look at.

These cars are known for electrical issues, but are easily fixed for the most part.

BTW, what bushings are you talking about? Can you describe the area better?

 

1999 Used Jaguar XJ Series XJ8 at Discovery Auto Enterprise Serving Houston, TX, IID 11370560

Picture 28. Next to the power steering res

 

Those are the upper shock bushings, dirt cheap.

 

our jag also does not lope.... smooth as silk.

i have had several bmw's...
528, 535, and M5.... the jag is a much smoother engine than those.