138000 mile, oil has leaked from sump since new. Following oil changes
(still using 5-20) leaks are steady on garage floor until dipstick shows
1/2 qt. low. Oil leaks slow remarkably to almost nothing. Dealer service
wants to drop oil pan and replace pan seals...engine has to be taken off motor mounts to clear frame to remove pan...no easy job...and still can't guarantee free from leaks.

Does the old adage still apply...only worry about a Jaguar if it stops leaking!

Has any one else run into this...suggestions?

 

Welcome to the forum johntegley,

I've moved your first post from the end of another member's Intro to the XK8/XKR section. Members here will be able to advise on fixing leaking sumps.

When you get a minute, please follow this link New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum the the New Member Area - Intro a MUST section and post a NEW thread with some info about yourself and your vehicle for all members to see. In return you'll get a proper welcome and some useful advice about posting to the forum.

Graham

 

Welcome to the forum. I can't believe the dealer says they have to take the engine off the mounts to remove the pan. Totally untrue. There is a X brace that has to be removed, but that's just four bolts. Maybe you need to go elsewhere for service, or start doing it yourself.

I and several others are using 10W40. That would also reduce the leakage. But the engine really should not leak any oil. This is not the old Jaguar.

 

It may not be the pan, but the girdle above it. The only way to find out is to clean the bottom half of the engine and look for the leak source.

There have been at least two dipsticks of varying levels for the engine. And three fill specs. Look for a discussion involving dipsticks and silverstone.

The highest level is the silverstone spec and I run it without any leaks or problems.

 

I replaced the sump gasket on my XK8 without any issues, took about an hour start to finish including cleaning the sump pan and suck-up filter. The new gasket wasn't expensive either. If this job cost more than $250 at a reputable mechanics shop, including new oil and a gsaket I would be very annoyed. The engine in my XK8 is an AJ26 1997, so should be the same as yours.