Heading into year 5 of being owned by the beautiful red xk8, also she’s 30 years old this year. A fast, sleek ride. Pretty much had the “usual” little( that’s an inside joke)$ bumps, tried to stay on top of things..with the generous hands-on help of a local forums hobbyist and his attempts to educate me along the way. That being said, hang on it looks like it’s going to be a bumpy ride …. valve cover gaskets. If there’s one thing I did know going into Jag ownership, it’s these things: 1) ownership is not for the faint-hearted, 2) expect the unexpected to occur at the worst possible time , 3) the parts are usually reasonably priced if sourced, it’s the shop labor costs that will gut you…if you cannot work on the car yourself. I will be calling a couple indie shops to see local price options. Pretty sure my suspicions are very well-founded (and I’m so looking forward to the “I told you so!” mutterings of those who never understood, and who think that cyber-trucks are good-looking). Sad.
Considering options.
How much are kidneys going for these days?

 

Be aware that the gaskets for the early cars are thicker and the set is different to engine # 981029000.(1998, October 29 Midnight)
Even the early AJ27 engine can have the grey and orange colored gaskets.(eg. early 1999)

 

Yep, according to my VIN, mine is the early one. Intend to double check, triple check, quadruple check. Then check again. I imagine owners of Jaguars are OCD. Thanks Motorcarman!

 

https://www.uspmotorsports.com/produ...515ae-76090152 (1 required)

https://www.uspmotorsports.com/produ...516ae-76079577 (1 required)

https://www.uspmotorsports.com/search?q=NCA2578BB (4 required)

https://www.uspmotorsports.com/produ...575ca-76057574 (I think 28 required?)

 

Yes, 28 required. The # I am getting for L side gasket is NCA2516AE, R side is NCA2515AE… washer seal comes up as NCA2575CA, prices all the same. Seems a fair deal.
The metal plate inside the driver’s side doorframe, does state that my car was built in October 1996(Coventry). Original owner was a Texan….
Thanks again!

 

Be very careful to not over torque when installing. Exceeding specs will cause leaks.

 

and don’t remove the dipstick tube - see threads.