OK, I admit, I am no mechanic. 99XK8. I had the timing chain parts and water pump replaced by a local shop. Since getting the car back, I have noticed a slight leak under this part. What is the part/function? Is this something to be concerned about? Is it easily replaced (possible O-ring needed)? Before replacements, the engine was completely dry, no leaks. I am trying to learn and start repairing items as I am finding in the first two months of ownership that would be a valuable skill. Your help appreciated. After downloading 187 page manual, this part was NOT shown...


Driver's side LH - US leaking

Passenger side - Dry

 

Those are the VVT solenoid O-ring seals. They sit in the engine bay and bake, getting hard and brittle in the process. They eventually start seeping oil and when they do that, they can also leak air and cause OBDII codes to be thrown. In the nearly 11 years we have owned my wife's 2006 XK8, I have replaced them at least four times. Rockauto sells them for a relatively decent price - they should be replaced in pairs so you can keep up with the replacement schedule. Jaguar part no. AJ82856. I last replaced them in January 2022 and paid about $17 for the pair at rockauto.com....

After you remove your old ones by carefully prying them out with a small screwdriver, be sure to thoroughly clean around the area with a rag to ensure a tight seal when you press your new ones into place. You want that entire area clean enough to eat off of before you press your new ones into place. I use the tip of a wooden dowel as a pressing tool so I do not damage the plastic face of the seal as I press relatively hard down on it all the way around it. No other tools needed. Expect them to last two to three years depending upon how often you drive the car. Engine bay heat bakes them and causes them to eventually start seeping, so take a look at them whenever you open your hood....

 

Thanks. I figured it was some level of O-ring wearing out. In this case the whole unit needs to be replaced it appears. According to your description, I should be able to handle this job.

Anyone have any other warnings before I jump into?

 

Only the two O-rings need to be replaced - the solenoids and electrical harnesses connecting to them are fine. Just be careful disconnecting the two plastic electrical connectors. They can get very brittle as well....

 

Oh, I assumed the $17 price was for the entire unit. And, it probably was as I know O-rings are pretty cheap. Of course, if I break something during removal, I have to buy unit and replace. Again, thank for your help. I will look into replacing O-rings.

 

@XK8WGM, to remove the wiring harness connectors to the VVT solenoids, GENTLY squeeze the connectors whilst pulling back to disconnect the plugs from the solenoids.

 

You have much to learn about how insanely expensive parts can be for these cars. $17 was just for the two VVT solenoid O-rings. The actual solenoids are probably many hundreds of dollars apiece (assuming they are still available)....

 

Funny that you say that. I was just calling local parts store, which I have many nearby. Nobody had them. I looked on-line and found many from $7 each to $12 each. Just for fun, I called the local Jaguar dealer and their price was $70 each!!!!! I ordered two online.

 

^^ Reason No. 1,689 why we never darken the door of a Jaguar dealership....

 

Yes, only because it is relatively close to my house. I have struck out with them multiple times now. Typically, they do not even have the part in question.

Let me preface by saying, I LOVE this car. BUT, I am finding that these magnificently beautiful examples of automobile are total plastic POS's.

Fix Or Replace Daily

Again, said with love....

 

Are you aware of the potentially fatal engine plastic tensioner flaw the 4.0 cars have if their tensioners have not been upgraded to the revised metal version?

If your factory tensioners have not been upgraded, you are driving a ticking time bomb regardless of how little mileage may be on your odometer....

 

Oh yes. I read a lot of posts about it just after purchase. I had a local European shop replace the timing chains, tensioners, water pump, thermostat and housing. (This is when seal started to leak) The next item on my MUST-DO list is probably the convertible hydraulic hoses. I feel good about other items.

 

Thanks for the help. It was a quick 10 minute job. Most of that just cleaning up the surrounding area. Hope it holds.

 

Grap the pebble from our collective hand, Grasshopper. You will learn many things. TM

 

May I ask, master? When I leave the temple, what will be expected of me?

 

You will learn many more things we can not teach you here. But you will have many skills.

 

the usual, pass on what you’ve learned. Someone somewhere will need to know.

Z