Hi Guys and Gals

Just a quick question if I may. Upon wondering around my 2001 XJ8, recently reclaimed from a local garage, I've discovered the following damage/breakage to the cam breather pipe mount that runs to the air intake. Although I know the RAC and garage will have taken this pipe off in last week or two . . I can't say for sure the damage accrued recently. It looks pretty old "breakage" to me.

Given that Jilly the Jag was running fine before the garage . . . and is running fine again now . . should I be worried about this war wound?

Any and all words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated. . . . . Oh . . I really have no idea where any pieces have gone . . just hoping they haven't gone into the engine!!


Right-hand bank (drivers side in UK) with the breather pipe removed

Closer in

The break lines look pretty old and I'm hoping that the missing pieces dropped through the engine bay long ago?

 

I believe the common answer is "they all do that sir". Wonderfully brittle plastics when exposed to years of hot engine bays.

If nothing else I'd seal the inlet to the intake pipe as that's unfiltered air getting sucked into the engine. Really you need a new cam cover to replace that pipe, unless you can find a way to seal a connector on though.

 

If you wanted to replace that, those covers should be had at a recycle yard for around $25-60 (10-45 quid) each. I did a quick check with about 30 yards near me here in the states and came up with those prices, I can imagine the availability should be more in the UK. There are some that are proud of their parts ($150/115 quid), but that's their problem. I don't know how proud a British recycle yard is with its parts, but I've gotten a couple items at a good price.

If that fell into the motor, it is most likely in the oil pickup. Next oil change, if your feeling froggy, drop the pan (it has a perma-gasket on it so it's off and on) and run your finger around inside the pickup. You'll also get to see if you have any buildup in the pan to clean out.

 

Here is an idea: Why don't you simply fix it?
And here is an idea how: Find a thin metal tube, where the OD is about the same as the ID of the bit, which broke into pieces on your cam-cover.
Cut the length of the pipe to create a bit, which just snugs into place.
Then use Liquid Metal to bond the pipe to the remains on the cam-cover and build up material around the pipe - probably in several stages...

 

Hi All . . especially Hooli, Highorse and Peter of Oz . . and yeah . . repair is always my default action. Just really wanted a heads up as to whether it would affect day-to-day running. As Hooli says . . its probably been like that for years (maybe-I hope) and I've got the top-tip from Highhorse on finding any stray bits on next oil change. My initial thoughts on repair was to source an plastic aerosol top of same size, slit it and slip it over the outside of the neck and glue it onto the remains. Just a bit worried about the amount of heat the "new" plastic would have to tolerate so something using metal would be better.

I'll let you know if I get 'round to doing it!!

Cheers

 

Hey Dude,

You probably should have that short water hose replaced on the top of the engine! Looks quite swollen and perhaps a problem in the future! Best to you and the car!

 

That does look a little pregnant now that you mention it.

 

Personally I would replace the cam cover it's not expensive ebay or scrapyard and it's easy to remove
But if you can tighten hose around that in some way it will work

 

High again guys. I'll put "replace a right bank cam cover" on my to do list . . . and the bulging short hose off the coolant tower. I noticed this pipe "bulging" and a mechanic has already mentioned it. It is actually in fairly good condition . . in that it flexes as it should and is not brittle or cracked, but I'll get to that too. Cheers