Hi, first post, looking for advise in my quest to find an XKR.

Looked at a 2001 4.0 XKR today, 60k miles, recently serviced, had all the right dealer service stamps and paperwork to back it up, just one thing stuck out, when i started it from cold there was a whining noise that sounded like it was coming from somewhere near the front of the engine bay, the noise quickly died down and went completely after about 5 mins idiling, with the bonnet up it sounded loud, the dealer thought it could be due to water entering the engine bay through the bonnet grills, it was raining heavily just before i arrived, but i am not sure how water would affect it in this way, any ideas what it could be ?

The car drove fine with no unexpected noises apparent once the initial whine had gone.

Thanks.

 

Cars of around that period had issues with belt tensioner/idler bearings to the point that Jaguar changed the design. If that is the issue it is a pretty simple fix requiring a new tensioner arm, idler pulley and a redesigned serpentine belt. Easy DIY.

. . . and welcome to the forum!

 

sounds like a dry supercharger idler/tensioner pulley. easily replaced either with an upgrade kit from Jaguar or a bearing change. Not a big deal.

 

Thanks guys, i read up on the tensioner/pully and it does sound like it could be that, if i decide to go for it i guess i will look for the parts to be replaced upfront or a suitable price drop to cover it, I have an XKR 100 coupe to look at tomorrow with similar miles listed at almost 2k more, is there any value in the rariety of this limited edition over the standard XKR (with almost same spec in options) ? Interior looks nice, as do the wheels, and i think there are a coupe of other refinements ?

Thanks.

 

I would buy the one that grabs me. While some may ask a premium for a limited edition I use my cars and for a long time and a lot of miles. I would never buy one to sit in a garage hoping it would appreciate in value.

Not enough garages.

There appears to be a lot more coupes in the UK than convertibles. Just the opposite in the colonies, coupes demand a premium.

 

Well i made a commitment and today paid a deposit on the black 2001 4.0 XKR with 60k on the clock, full history and all the to be expected work done, incuding the tensioners recently, it is the one that made the noise from cold, but today i contacted my local jag indy and without prompting they said it sounded like condensation on the belt, considering it had been standing in the wet and how quickly it died down, which is what the dealer told me at the time, it comes with some warranty and my local indy will check it over for a small fee, so i am feeling confident, and under £10k, i am v'happy :-)

Will post some pics and first impressions next week.

 

Welcome Steely I am sure you will love your new purchase all the very best,look forward to some pics.
Al

 

Its iether the s/charger tentioner or the main belt tentioner..been there..done it..condensation on the belt is not the problem

 

Dennis, I will get it checked out, notice your Solihull, can you recommend a good indy ?

 

Since i have been on this forum i have done all my own repairs and saved a fortune..people like sam.avos ,whitexkr.gus.paul.and many others will help so much you cant believe how lucky we are to be in touch with these guys and gals, if they dont know they will find out for you..example..door lock faults..parts form stratstones £300 + fitting..I got the switch form electrical suppliers £3.70 +p&p..full instructions in video and photoes how to fit..job done..if you want to meet up up when you get your car I would like to look it over if you like.ive got a xkr and we can compare notes.my number is 07970821739.i live in monkspath
cheers
Dennis

 

Hi Dennis, I picked the car up yesterday and so far have only driven it home, I will get a better idea of the problem over the next few days and I am locating a specialist to check it over from top to bottom anyway.
So far it apears to be great !

I would certainly like to take you up on your offer though and compare XKR's.
I am not adverse to getting my hands dirty (owning a 1979 mini its a given) and my last car (BMW Z3 M coupe) required lots of hands on, also with help from a great forum.

I will get intouch.

 

I would replace the belts first and see if that solves your problem. You would want to do that anyway even if it turns out to be a pulley bearing or belt tensioner.

 

There's a current thread on this on the XKEC. A suggestion has been made and has worked for a number of enthusiasts to put some ordinary talcum powder on the belts. Apparently it quietens them down a treat. A beautifully cheap solution, too - worth giving it a go, I would think.

 

Joined XKEC today will look out for the thread, thanks.

 

the dealer "couldn't find" reciepts of any work, I'm nervous about tensioners etc,
apart from taking off the cam covers is there any other way to find out if I need to change them

 

no, my engine was silent with a heavily cracked unit.

A valve cover gasket change revealed its failure.

 

that was very lucky!

 

Congratulations & welcome, Steely. Now you'll be hooked.

I let my 2000 XKR sit for a couple weeks while I drove other vehicles. Broke my heart to see it just sitting, so slid in one morning and now I dread going back to others when the weather changes.

Thought I would drive it through the winter, then remembered they sand & salt the roads here. NO, don't want to subject my kitty to that.

Enjoy your ride.