I received the distressing news that I will "likely" need to replace the engine in my 2010 XK. I would love to get feedback from any of you of the best place to secure that engine at a "friendly" cost, lol. I'm open to all perspectives regarding new, rebuilt or used.

If you also have any particular insights that I should pay particular attention to, please let me know.

 

Why the need for replacement? Overheat?

 

Coolant leaked past the head gasket...UGH!!

 

no good options it’s a 5.0

roll the dice on a used engine or car is totaled. you can do heads but i would never stand by my work or offer any warranty

 

" coolant leaked past the head gasket" and then what? What caused " change the engine"?

 

The engine has siezed. The shop is reccomending engine replacement.

 

How many miles on the car?

 

125,000

 

Replace the engine... you can't get a better car for less... that you could trust. There are refurbished engines with a 1 yr warranty available with shipping.

 

It most likely over heated badly and then locked up. Coolant does not leak past head gaskets. It's blown past the head gaskets by massive coolant pressure caused by severe overheating causing the head and block surfaces to distort beyond what the gaskets can seal. This is just another example of keeping on top of fluids and maintenance. Always, always stop at the first indication of overheating and shut the car off. DO NOT keep driving home or to the next exit. The time to stop is NOW!

Listen to xalty as he does this for a living! The rest of us are just amateur shade tree guys.
How much do you plan to spend?
Can you DIY this?
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Lothar, did a quick search on used/rebuilt engines. Range seems to be 5 (basic) to 10ish (full rebuild, warranty). Sound right? If you’re not DIY then labor’s another big cost. Great cars but w 125k miles, replace engine worth it?
Clubairth1 totally agree. Also I have an OBD2 wireless connect. Feeds data to software on my phone. Can see engine temp, voltage, driver IQ (always zero), mpg etc etc. I want to see any overheating before it becomes melted engine.

 

What details/characteristics should I ask about for a replacement engine? Do you know a good source to get one?

I can't DYI. Approximately, how many labor hours do you think it should take?

 

Love - Call your mechanic. Guesstimate (based CA prices) is 10 for a good rebuilt engine (w min 1 yr warranty) from a company that specializes in exotic cars. Add another 5 for the install. Housing repairs and parts in the Midwest are 50% of our prices. Maybe car repair costs are lower too. DIY a lot cheaper. Some of the members in here do this stuff blindfolded w parts they machined, cast or forged in their own shop. Winter weather never an issue.

 

@LoveMy2010XK Unless you're a masochist, I'd avoid rebuilding your beloved 2010 XK, sell it for parts, and put that money towards a 2010 XKR. They're cheap now and a huge step up from the naturally aspirated XK and came standard with every option, including Adaptive Cruise Control. Just ask the man who owns one (thanks, Packard) - @Cee Jay.

 

100% agree w parts sell and get another one. Agree SC is the best (have the 4.2 version) but even NA is 380 and a lot cheaper.

 

While shopping around I see several engines available that are used at a cost of about $2,500. What questions should I ask the seller to verify the condition of the engine? What red flags could be identified by me?

 

I think that will be the key?
What kind of budget do you have? Just remember that the cost of installing another engine is about the same regardless if new or used. Then think if you run into problems with the cheaper used engine and you need to go back in to do more work?

Here is a rebuilt 5.0L NA long block for around $10K (Actually less but when you figure in shipping the engine core back you will be around $10K).
They claim to add many improvements over the stock Jaguar engine and they also offer 1 and 2 year warranties. But I have not used them so can't comment on the quality.
Take a look for some background info at least.
Rebuilt 5.0L NA Long Block

As you will find out there are limited sources for replacement engines and we are VERY lucky there are a handful of aftermarket places stepping up to the plate as Jaguar has not!
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Club - wonder what the improvements are. Any idea what install cost would be?

Love - I'd buy a newer car w lower mileage. I'm used to CA prices but a 2,500 engine sounds like yard art. Engine replacement will be expensive non DIY at least 10k?) and there are so many ways this could go sideways. Even if it's a success, you end up w a first year 5.0 w 125k miles. The 2012+ restyle looks great. The NA's are a bargain. The SC's are a blast but more expensive. JMHO but recommend replace.

 

Club - checked the website. The total rebuild w/ improvements engine maybe early 5.0 block w new timing chains and water pump? The other cheaper options shown are eBay engines from Chuck and Eddie's. The engine in one picture is filthy. Roll the dice........

 

Does Ford have available a new 4.2L block with pistons? That's probably all you need.