Well it's almost May folks and you know what that means... maybe one more snowfall!


Like any fastidious XK8 owner, I have a list of things to do. Last fall, just after I bought the car but before it was locked up for the winter in a garage I could maybe visit every other weekend, I put a list together of the things that needed to be done. You can read that thread here if you like, but in short, here's the list as of yesterday afternoon:

THE CAR:
2000 XK8 Convertible, 65,337 miles


THE LIST:
COMPLETE:

• Replace Timing Chain, tensioners and guides ✔
• Replace thermostat and housing ✔
• Replace water pump ✔
• Replace Serpentine Belt ✔
• Replace Spark Plugs ✔
• Replace Tires ✔
  (all 5, the four were installed in 2005 and the spare was ORIGINAL)
• Replace Ignition Coil #8 ✔
• Oil & Oil Filter change ✔
• Fuel Filter change ✔
• Transmission Service and Trans-Go 5HP24 kit install ✔
• Replace Coolant ✔
• Replace Convertible hoses ✔
• Upgrade Radio, replace rotted speakers ✔
• Replace damaged rubber seal on passenger side of soft top ✔
• Find a suitable replacement for the shock tower rubber covers ✔
  (see below)
  
  STILL TO DO:
• Replace smashed fog light
  (I have the part but have to psyche myself up to rip the front bumper off to fit it)
• Investigate mild "knocking" sensation when turning steering wheel
• Repair Paint Chips
  
  NEW TO THE LIST:
• Investigate P0300 & P1316
• Investigate fuel pump noise

Exciting new problems!
Since I bought the car, the fuel pump has been audible, which I think it's probably not supposed to be. It's a high-pitched whine; not super loud, but again, audible. Doesn't seem "fancy" enough considering the rest of the car to have a fuel pump you can hear.
Before I had the timing work done I was occasionally getting restricted performance and a code for Ignition Coil 8, which is why I replaced that, but yesterday the car had a "hiccup" and hit restricted performance. It cleared after maybe 2 minutes stopped beside the road in park, and the car was back to normal. I had hoped replacing the fuel filter might clear the noise (the filter likely is original and is 5,000 miles past its use-by date) but, alas, the noise persisted. So I am thinking that, given the generic nature of P0300, there may be insufficient fuel getting to the engine - at least occasionally. The car starts fine, and doesn't seem to have any issue if I give it the beans, but still, not sure what else would have caused that.

So, regarding the SHOCK TOWER COVERS! I found these guys on Amazon, this part is the Uxcell 70mm Grommet (here is the ). I installed these in the garage months ago but without running the car at all I couldn't speak to their appropriateness for longer term use. Well now the car has been out (when there's been no snow) and they've been doing great so far. They seem OK in the heat from the engine bay (use at your own risk, though) - I sent a pair to another forums member who may chime in with their experiences but for now I'd say if you're game to give them a try, um, give them a try!



Anyways, that's enough from me. You got a list? What's on it?