Hi guys.
My first thread as an XJS wannabee. Have seen a nice car with AJ16 engine but oil level was 3 litres down since last service 7k miles ago. Is this reasonable consumption - what is the norm? Also no cruise control - is this a common problem? Likely cheap or expensive fix?
Thanks.

 

I have a 4.0 in my 97 XJR, and it has had the valve cover gasket replaced, as well as a couple of other things. It uses no oil between oil changes at 4-5K miles

 

How many miles between the last change? Do you know if the engine was filled then. These engines hold 8.75 quarts with a new filter. Some shops don't know that and just dump 5 quarts in. My 4.0 doesn't use oil at all but I change it between 3 and 4 thousand miles.
RagJag

 

Just a add, I don't think the cruise is a big deal at all, compared to what it takes to keep a Jag in top shape, lol.

 

The AJ16 is not known at all ( as far as I know anyway and I read up on the AJ16 engine all the time ) for oil consumption. More likely as mentioned earlier that the correct amount of oil was not put back in to begin with.

I would check the tailpipes on start up and running for any smoke blow by and also check for oil leaks under the engine. Could have a oil sending unit etc. that is leaking pretty fast.

 

My 1995 4.0 XJS (108,000 miles) Coupe burns no oil between changes (knock on Burl wood). I agree with others here that it was never topped off. Being 3 down would put it at most standard oil sump levels, so this theory makes sense. Has this hurt the engine? I will lets other chime in.

As to the Cruise Control; mine was a pinhole in the bladder, easily fixed with a dab of black silicone. Held for over 7 years now.

 

Thanks guys for all the info. Decided to give the car a miss even thought it had some other very good points. So the search goes on.

Encouraged there is a really helpfull forum to turn to when I do take the plunge.

Cheers,

LeeP

 

Ditto on the comments about the oil usage (or lack of).

That's exciting you're going to own your first XJS. Be prepared to fall in love!

 

I agree with the others saying that their cars don't/shouldn't use oil however, while working at a Jaguar main dealer we had a similar query from a customer.
I will never forget the official Jaguar reply

' Any Jaguar engine can use/burn UPTO 1 litre of oil per 1000 miles '.

It seems this is a common standard across the motor trade as I discussed this with an Audi technician and he had been told the same.

In an ideal world it should use no oil but that will depend on its past service history and drving conditions.

Early AJ6 engines used to suffer from valve stem seals leaking, these were normally done at the same time as the head gasket was serviced !!