After just installing a 2nd bad knocking engine, I was wondering if there was something inherently wrong with the engine for my 99 XK8. They all had a knock.

It just kind of gives you doubts on taking these vehicles on any kind of vacation. I drove my XKE to California, without any issues, in the early 80s, and it was an older car also.

Is there anything else,(perhaps an additive) besides routine maintenance to keep the engine and tranny alive?.......Thanks for listening to my rant........Mike

 

When you say 'knocking', what do you mean? Big end bearings?

 

Mike, you are one of the very few guys on the forums who have problems with bearing failure and it's hard to believe it happened twice. I have the impression these engines are very reliable as long as they don't oveheat and drop a valve seat or blow a head gasket.

 

I have been here since 09 and can't say I have seen anyone with these issues. Maybe 1 or 2? When taken care of these motors are very reliable.

 

Mike,

I had a history of destroying 4.2 XK six cylinder engines in late 60's and 70's Jaguar saloons but have had no wear problems or failures on the V8's.

It could just be that I'm forty years older now and don't drive them as hard as I used to but I really do think the V8 is well engineered and more robust than earlier designs.

Failures from causes other than overheating or tensioners aren't a regular feature of posts to the forum so must be very unlucky.

Graham

 

Thank you much everyone. I just needed some reassurance. I am sure you understand my position. I drive like a senior citizen for God's sake.....

I am getting my money back from the yard today, and am picking up a 74K mile engine from Indianapolis on Tuesday.

The hardest part of the job for me anymore is the exhaust, and hooking up the AC lines. The engine is usually out and sitting on the floor in 4 hours, and then I spend a couple of hours replacing the upper chain tensioners, then all the accessories get swapped.

I pray that this engine will be the last. The knocking was different on both replacement engines. The first one was a main bearing for sure, and the second one was a rod bearing. I am missing too much summer here, to be driving in my X Type......Thanks for the info. Any more would be appreciated......Mike

 

A worn bearing in the sepentine belt idler pulley can cause a bad sounding knock when as the belt tensioner snaps back and forth. Are you sure it is not that?

 

Look at post below

 

I replaced everything on the front of the engine, including the idler, alternator, water pump, and tensioner. The only things that haven't been replaced on the front of the engine are the power steering pump, and compressor. I figured as long as the motor was out I may as well replace what I could.

I think the yard just had some old wrecks that they were trying to wear me down on. They never even questioned me on the knocking.(Like a Chicago business hasn't screwed anyone before). I got a bad Nissan engine from this same outfit 15 years ago.

The first engine smelled strongly of burnt oil, so I was probably a fool for even putting that one in.........Mike

 

First off what trouble are you having with the exhaust. I have done this on xk8s 3 times and I find a little easier way each time.
What I would do when you get the engine before you install is to check the oil for unusual smell or if there is water in the oil. I would do a compression test. A cylinder with a low compression might be evidence of a dropped valve seat from overheating, this happened to me. See if you can get information from the car the engine came from. Was it in an accident, you best bet because the engine had to be running at the time of accident, or was it from mechanical failure. GOOD LUCK.