I know there was an engine number from which steel liners replaced the Nikasil ones, in the X308, due to them failing under high sulphur in the petrol. 180801 seems to come to mind?? Was there a change in the VIN to indicate the steel liners were fitted.
Thanks Bill W.

 

No. You need to check the actual engine #.

Well, eventually the VIN would be safe to check but it would be say a year later.

Also, if the car has nikasil then a simple test will show if it has problems and if it hasn't then arguably it's better than a non-nikasil car.

 

I was asking on behalf of someone who has a 1998 XJR and wanted to know if he had a Nikasil lined engine. My reply was, if it has been OK since you bought it you will be OK, as sulphur content is now greatly reduced. Bill W.

 

Severe engine overtemp will also destroy the lining in the cylinders!!!!!!!

bob

 

Bob's comment is extremely important. I suggest to all the nikasil owners I meet to install the Realgauge mod or at least use a Ultragauge, both of which have audible temperature alarms.