Hi,
I have a 2001 XK8 with 103K miles on her. I had the trans fluid checked and the specialist said that they come filled with synthetic fluid. I asked if we should service it and he advised NOT because when he does the new fluid cleans out the transmission and the debree will clog passages creating shifting problems and the new fluid can also find leaks. What is your opinion on this?
Thanks

 

Had my 2002 XKR flushed and replaced at about 110K when we had to do some other work inside the trans, and I was told the same thing that sometimes it makes it worse. So far, so good.

 

If you do a search on the forum you will find many opinions. I did not want the flush because it meant paying someone for work that might be questionable, so I drained, changed the filter, and refilled with Castrol Transmax Import. I have repeated the process twice so far, and will do so again soon.

 

The chance of this problem is minimal if the transmission has a conventional drain and fill instead of a flush. I believe the benefit of this outweighs any risk. Do it two consecutive years and the majority of the fluid will be replaced.

 

I just had mine replaced on friday w/filter and seal change in my 1999 XK8 with almost 120k on it. So far it feels a bit smoother (wood..knuckles --> knock, knock, knock ).

Now, RJ237, you mentioned doing the work yourself. My question is whether you need a special tool to pump the fluid in or if you could describe your preferred method that would be terrific!

Best,
Danny

 

I've been thinking about this also. I have been put off doing an oil change on my XKR due to the problems some people seem to have had after changing their oil

The R is fitted with the Mercedes Benz box rather than the ZF unit which is fitted to the 8 and I'm wondering if the MB box is likely to have the same problems some members seem to have encountered after changing the oil?

Also, can someone please point me towards a description and photos of checking / changing the oil in the MB unit. She drives so smoothly, but she's now at almost 140k and I would like to try and stay one step ahead of potential big (expensive) problems.
Thanks - Andy

 

Danny, I have begun using the return line at the upper left of the radiator to refill. I have a Mighty- Vac and put 6 qts of fluid in using that (slowly). A hand pump would probably work okay.
I then went through the warm up cycle and used a indoor/ outdoor thermometer to check the temp.

 

How did you check the fluid level?

 

Here is one of the better threads with several links to the various discussions.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...uestion-78968/

 

I built a "pressure pot" system out of an old freon tank to allow refilling of these "hard to reach" transmission fill points. Works with any fluid. I drilled a hole to drop a pipe with a slight angle cut into the tank all the way to the bottom. Then brazed the pipe to the tank. I threaded the inside of that pipe, and fitted a ball valve, with a long vinyl hose and a curved piece of pipe on the end for a filler. I also drilled out the existing center tap, and fitted a small pressure gauge and shrader vave for pressurizing the tank. Then I brazed on a bung from a brake cleaner tank to provide a fill point with a cap and seal. On the bottom, I brazed on three angle iron "legs" at a slight angle to stabilize the tank. It's operation is simple enough: Add your fluid to the tank, pressurize the tank up to 30 psi, and then open the valve to allow the fluid to flow. I refill these right on my lift with the can setting on the ground. A nice afternoon project!