Purchased a nice used 2000 XKR late last fall, without any maintenance history. Drove it home to NS from ON without a hitch.

The supercharger was replaced from what I can see. The casting on the snout is shinier and the hose clamps are in slightly different positions. It has always made a slight noise. (coupler? Supercharger is rebuilt I think)

I inspected timing chains/tensioners over the winter. The new type are installed.


During a recent 60 mile drive on a 30 degree C day I could hear a rattle from the engine bay. (we were idling through town)
Stopped the car and inspected idlers, tensioners(steel) and serpentine belts to try and isolate the noise. Nothing found.
Started the car again and the rattle seemed to be coming from the back of the S/C.
Putting my hand on the supercharger it was extremely warm. (Waited 10 min)
Took the car back on the highway thinking the S/C was hot and drove 20 miles home.
Stopped the car and the rattle had disappeared.

Tried to recreate the issue...it seems if the car is driven harder the S/C is noisier and the sound is coming from the rear of the S/C.
Also have a slight film of oil on the S/C by the rear connection gasket.

I am tempted to pull the S/C and check coupler and rear needle bearings.

Thought I would ask the experts out there as I am new to Jags.

How hot should the S/C run? Is it possible the inner seals for the snout have failed? Coupler bad? Oil level is low? No high temp grease/wrong grease in rear needle bearings?

Intercooler pump runs. S/C coolant level not checked as I have no spare sealing washer.
Have new S/C oil to install.

 

It could be the SC, but given the ease of doing this; I recommend removing the SC belt and seeing if the noise persists. It will run like garbage without it and set lights, but will isolate things.

My XJR made a clunk on startup that was the FRONT rotor bearings; the ones in the rotor pack. It's about to go back on the car since the rebuild.