VVT issue

I have a 1999 XK8 coup that has experienced many of the problems associated with this model year. Melted tensioners, failed transmission, inability to maintain compression. About 2018 I purchased a newly manufactured engine from the UK. Unfortunately, after 5-10k mi it experienced water leaking into the fuel system and other issues that eventuated in my trading the engine for a completely rebuilt engine from a company in Los Angeles.

Things seemed to be ok except that some of the injector seals failed, necessitating purchase of several new fuel injectors as Jaguar doesn’t sell new seals by themselves and the after-market ones we tried failed immediately. Problem solved?

Not so fast.

After a few miles, less than 200, my old friend, the CEL, came back for a visit and presented me with codes P1384 and P1396. Variable valve timing (VVT) was on the blink. Two new solenoids were put in place and the CEL remained out of sight, at least until the next day when I again fired up the cat for a trip to the market. The CEL was back and with the same codes.

For better or worse I’ve been working with the same local mechanic going back to the 90’s when I was still driving my purchased-from-new (picked up in Coventry) ‘68m TR250 for my daily commute.

We’ve tried some of the fixes previously recommended here without success. At this point we’ve reached the limits of his/our knowledge and skill for addressing this VVT issue. Of course I can go to one of the Bay Area Jag dealers, but I’d prefer to find a SF Bay Area mechanic with the experience, skill and ability to figure out what the problem is and how to remedy it.

I am asking now if any members of this forum have experience with a local mechanic(s) whom they would recommend for such issues or an unusually customer-friendly dealership service department here in the Bay Area.

Note that having transited “middle age” I drive this baby only about 500mi/mo, if that. Even so, if I’m going to drive it at all, it has to pass the biannual smog check which requires a proper functioning of the VVT.

Fingers crossed.

Thanks.



Jay

 

I’ve been going to the Jaguar Performance Center in Los Gatos for several years now and they are great. Ask for Robert.

 

Thank you. I'll definitely give Robert a call.