Okay. Generally when a head gasket blows, it goes either into the cylinder, the oil passage way or out the side.

If it is going into the cylinder, you would see white smoke out the exhaust. Lots of it and it would be running rough. If there is a large enough hole, it can push the exhaust gas into the cooling system and pop the cap off. If you fill up the radiator while the engine is cold and leave the radiator cap off, it will immediately start blowing water out. Not just a little dribble...it will bubble splurt out like it's boiling hot.

If the gasket is blowing into the oil passageway, after the engine has run for a bit you will find thick, chocolate milk looking buildup on the oil dipstick.

If the gasket is blown out the side, coolant will run down the side of the engine and onto the pavement.

Considering your engine runs good, I'd suggest topping off the coolant with water (engine COLD) and starting it up with the radiator cap OFF and tell us what happens.

 

It shot it out all over the place. My coolant does, also however, run out after she's heated up. But the water shot out.Now I know for sure.... As Pooh said "she dropped on me"

 

I went down to DMV and took her off the road today. Diana is officially on vacation. No point in keeping insurance and tags on a car I can't drive. I really thank all of you for my husband and myself, for all of your help. I feel like I have found a group of unknown friends and family from around the country and world!! That really made me feel better about all of this!!

 

just remember what is broken can be fixed, it just takes time.

 

I do.

 

And Money!

 

We have come to the sad, sad conclusion that we are going to have to sell her. The first $2000 can have Lady Diana.

 

That is very sad. I'm sorry about your car that you obviously love so much. However, unless it's in really exceptional condition otherwise, you won't see $2000 or even half that. I'm not saying this to be mean, but rather to point out that the car is now worth very little money, and you might be best served to hold on to it, save up and get it fixed. If this isn't an option financially maybe you can save up and get the work done, then sell the repaired car to pay for its' bills.

 

I agree, this is very sad. Is it simply because it cost too much to repair?

 

For those of you who are following this thread, I got a message from Angie and they sent the car to the junkyard. Such a shame.

 

Wow...didn't see that one coming.

 

didnt see that coming either for someone who said they liked the car so much.


realistically the way i see it in situations like this....the cost to repair the car is less than getting another one...so whats the point in getting rid of it? unless im mistaken. Either way a junkyard is a sad place to end up.

 

I know the scope of repairs on these vehicles can seem overwhelming and quickly demoralize new owners. Happened to me first time around. Would've liked to see the OP pick up a ford escort for sub $1k and drive that around till they were able to fix the XJS.

Junkyard, what a shame...

 

I didn't expect that, shame to see it junked.

 

Lady Diana was sent to the junkyard. The cost of the repair was nearly $4000. It was a terrible heartbreak for me, but I got to keep the growler from her hood. My husband and I are looking for a 99 XJ8 with a motor that people aren't "afraid" of and doesn't require a specific V12 mechanic. I am also looking out of state for the car. I'm not going to be stupid and get it on Craigslist again. Again, I can't thank all of you enough for your help. You are all a great bunch of people...my "jaguar family"

 

Truly not appreciated... I feel terrible about my car. Other obligations as an adult and parent keep me from affording to fix her. Realistically, an XJ8 in the future would be a better choice. My feelings are actually hurt over losing this car, which I didn't think could happen.

 

I understand, its just sad to see another go. I wish I had known before you had sent it off, I would have been happy to buy a few parts off it at least.
If you don't do repairs yourself then these cars can be expensive to have repaired, and finding a mechanic can be a challenge!

 

that is usually the way with cars that have any kind of character...which jaguar typically do in spades. unfortunately usually cars with character are higher maintenance