Where to buy new Cam/Valve Covers
 

Hi, I have a 1998 XJ8L with cracked cam covers (along a bolt hole - causing an unstoppable oil leak).

I would like to avoid the hassle of repairing the cracks, if possible (don't have time or knowledge/experience). Most sites I google no longer carry it (part discontinued)

Part # AJ81468.

A quick ebay search will reveal several options, however....every seller offers it with NO RETURNS - which leads me to believe there could be cracks that they aren't disclosing (apparently it's common, due to incorrect bolt torque). Plus they're all gross. Mine look brand new. I do not want to replace it with a worn out cam cover unless necessary! The cracks are also very hard to see - mine are small enough that it takes me a small amount of time to find it.

Few dealers even carry it, since it is discontinued - so I would have to find a dealer who happens to have it in stock left over. And Lord have Mercy on the price I'd have to pay...

So.....if any of you know a retailer who sells them new, or if you have one/know someone who has these cam covers, please share! Your input/guidance is always appreciated,

Andre

FYI most retailers incorrectly refer to this part as a Valve cover

I found one for sale (new) you're not gonna be happy with price but...

Jaguar Parts -

I'd check fleabay or the marketplace forums for one also.

Hi jaggermang,

jaguarmerriamparts.com lists some of the part numbers as still available new:

1998 Jaguar XJ8 Parts - Jaguar Parts Center - Call (800) 510-1401 for Genuine Jaguar Parts and Accessories


To confirm the part numbers that will fit your car (they're different for the LH and RH banks), you can either try to match your engine details at Jaguar Merriam or download and install the Jaguar Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC) from this forum:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ed-xmas-48052/


Cheers,

Don

I would check your local junk yards. If nothing in Bay Area, try the Jag breaker in Stockton.

Inquiry Jaguar parts, XK8, XJR, XKE, XJ, XK, S Type, Jag parts,

Here in Tidewater Va, none of the junk yards have Jags; too few sold. But in California, lots.

Thank you all for your quick reply! Don B, thank you especially for the Part # directory.

I found out the part# I provided you guys is superceded by PN C2A1513.

I contacted the retailers yesterday to see if they actually have it (I don't rely on what their website says) and what do you know.......almost every retailer doesn't have it anymore....except for one!

Parts.com ........ out of all the Jag-specific retailers out there ...... Parts.com has C2A1513 in stock, brand-new still wrapped for $260 (!).

I'm awaiting a response from other retailers to verify they have the part in stock (like their website says). Hopefully I find something a little cheaper...

Jhartz, I'll also try that Jag junkyard in Stockton! Thank you!

I paid almost nothing for a pair of used ones but this was still too much money because they were leaking worse than my originals, even with new seals, and some nut inserts for the coil covers were missing. As said the cracks are hard to see but they will leak. Have already experienced that burnt oil smell in particular wheen the car inclination changes on parking ramps for instance?

Then I decided to spend the money for new ones at barratt on june 2014 and oil leaks have completely disapeared since then. I have the early 1998 supercharged engine (without variable timing) and the replacement references are C2A1513 and C2A1515 for respectively 185 and 270 euros. They come with new oil cap, the seals and all-but-one new bolts (wiich otherwise you may want to change and have to pay on top of the covers price if you would go for used parts). I have been wondering why they provide all new bolts except one. Maybe because bolts are trapped within the seal except one than needs to be installed after the cover is in place.

One good tip I have found is to use (external) circlips pliers to expand the quick connect fittings on some pipes.

used jag stuff...
 

jags are hard to come by in yards around here as well but I've had good luck getting parts thru this place, Matthews Foreign Car Parts in Birmingham, AL. Initially I emailed them but it's much more efficient to call, 205-251-5800. I've spoken with Tim, David, and Richard about parts. They gave me good prices, shipped quickly, and gave me reasonable shipping charges. They're the first place on my list when I'm looking for pre-enjoyed parts and very accurate with descriptions of condition. Good luck.

Coventry West, Lithonia GA, for used parts, is never the cheapest, but they know a good part from a bad one and they should have them.

Are you looking to replace only the left cam cover? The LH and RH covers are different and have different part numbers. Also, the part number C2A1513 shows up as the correct LH cover for a supercharged engine. Is your engine supercharged?


Good used covers should definitely be more affordable, and as long as they're crack-free, you can always repaint them, as several members have done.

If you decide to spend the money on new covers, whether you buy from a Jaguar dealer online (Gaudin, Merriam) or one of the independent Jag specialists, they'll either get the covers from the Jaguar North America warehouse in New Jersey or from the U.K. I doubt any dealer keeps them in stock.

Cheers,

Don

Service Guy
 

I had the exact same issue.
My Jag service guy found one that a customer had on his XJ8 Parts car. You might check there. I have seen new ones, but the price is redonkulous.