Hi, Rich again. I have very little experience with My '99 XK8 . I was told by a source I question, the engine was replaced in my car a couple of years ago. I was told by the dealer the engine is a 2003 ( then it would be a 4.2L) with less than 20k. I cannot speak to the original owner. Looks to me like a chalk mark ( I assume from a junk yard) on the dampner to be " 00". 2000??
I could care, but I would like to know. would anyone know where and how I can locate the engine numbers and how I could tell which year/ engine my XK has?? The engine sounds great, warm and cold. runs well. I understand the 2003's have redesigned timing chain guides. thanks all.

 

If the car is a '99 the PO would've gone through too much trouble to make the 4.2 compatible. Although it's possible, you're likely to have the 4.0.

Could you post a picture of the engine? They're actually really easy to tell apart. The 4.0 has two plastic covers that go at each side above the valve covers and next to the intake manifold. The cover has Jaguar 4.0 stamped on it. The 4.2s have one large cover that goes on top of the engine and leaves the intake manifold exposed.

Yes, the '03 engine does have the redesigned timing chain tensioners.

 

Swapping a 4.0 to a 4.2 is not for the faint of heart. I doubt that it has been done to yours, but you could tell from the engine number (not the VIN).

The engine number location link is on post #3 of this link: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ocation-70577/

The engine serial number encodes the date the engine came off the engine assembly line. The serial number format is YYMMDDHHMM. The 4.2L engine was introduced in 2002.

 

If it's a 4.0 - and it likely is - then worry about the chain tensioners! You want the metal-bodied ones, which it likely does not have.

 

The US '03 XJ cars still had the 4.0 engine. Find the serial number and then you will know.

 

I didn't know that! Do they have the metal-bodied tensioners by then?

 

All engines built after 8/01 had the metal tensioners.

 

Hi Daniel, thank you for the info. Was not aware of the radical diff in 4.0 vers 4.2. Use to domestic where externals are all same, bore and or stroke internal give it cubes. The covers you describe are 4.0. However, one of the gents stated the sedans used 4.0 up to 2003. Might be what I have. No worries other than wanting to keep her running. Love to dive her. I will need to ck the engine id if I can,. need to know. thanks again Rich

 

Thank you "test". here is to hope my engine has the metal tensioners. I will get the serial number and repost. Thank you again for your help. Rich