I am going to take a look at a 2000 xk8 tomorrow. The car is at a local exotics dealer that I've dealt with in the past, so they have pretty good knowledge, and a good garage/mechanic. That said, I am worried about the Nikasil engine wear in this thing, and I'm sure they don't have the equipment for a blowby test. I'm sure they can do a compression/leakdown test though.

That said, can a compression/leakdown test give me a good idea of Nikasil wear, and what numbers should I look for?

I appreciate the forum, I've learned a lot about these things already.

-J

 

hi miatawnt2b
i have a 2000 xk8 too im in the uk as it is here if you have no problem with the nickasil yet you are unlikely too as it was the lead that stuffed em since 2000 the amount of lead has been reduced so to top up no prob no worries all the best anyway

 

The problem was high levels of sulphur in the fuel, not lead. If the engine is still going strong, there's little chance that it being a nikasil engine now will cause a problem.

A compression and leak down test will tell you all you need to know.

 

+1 Mikey. The only problems you are likely to have with nikasil are more sensitive to cold shutdown cylinder wash and damage due to overheating.

 

Just my $.02, always get a compression test on any engine you are buying.

 

I asked my indie about the problem when he changed the gearbox oil in my 1999 December registered xk8 and he said if its smoking there is a problem, but yours is not so forget it. Its got just over 60k on the clock and I am dying to get it back on the road, just hope the winter gremlins have not been to work on it while he was sleeping. I was told the problem was exasperated by short runs where the motor did not reach operating temp together with the sulphur in the fuel, bad combination for the early engines. Fingers crossed its not a problem for us any more.
Regards,
ArtyH.

 

I had seen the Blow-By tester in operation only one time and that was on a video today, I say the Blow-By tester is nonexistent and compression testing is used as a substitute. I would say for you to go with the compression test and see what they come up with.

 

Welcome to the forum miatawn2b,

You posted this on Feb 23 so presumably you went to see the car yesterday.

Did it turn out to be worth considering?

Graham

 

I did get an opportunity to look at the car. It was in really nice shape mechanically and body. 3 owner, 2000 xk8 w/50k miles. The interior was ratty though, the power seats were intermittent and the power window on the pass side quit working while I was looking at the car.

I decided to pass.

 

Too bad it didn't work out for you. be patient the right one will come along. I looked at a dozen dogs before I found my cat.