My 2001 has 84,050 miles on it and seems to be operating OK. Besides the oil changes, what other issues do I need to be aware of for this model year? Someone mentioned changing the transmission fluid, but my transmission seems to be operating properly and reading the forum, it did not seem clear whether I need to change it or not.

One issue that has me wondering is whether the slight smell of rubbber coming from the engine when I park is normal for this car. I only notice it when I leave my car and it is parked in the garage. The belts are relatively new and I believe my car was produced late enough so the tensioners are not the issue. Any other thoughts?

Also, has anyone used Dr. ColorChip on a Padific Blue color car? I don't want to mess up a good thing if this stuff doesn't work well.

Any help would be appreciated?

 

Ah another Illinois member, If your model is a MY2001 the tensioners need to be addressed. It was MY2002 that they went to the new model tensioners. It would not hurt to change your transmission fluid about every 30,000, I believe that Jaguar backed down from the sealed for life and recommends changing fluid. I may be wrong about the interval on the trans fluid change. I don't notice any rubber burning smell with mine and I always park it in the garage after use.

 

+1, good advice

 

I have been getting what I thought was a burning rubber smell for about 4 months on my XKR and then I noticed what looked like a leak from around the coolant expansion tank. I temporarily placed absorbent tissue around the assembly and took the car for a fairly brisk run - a process that would always have previously generated the smell.
Nothing!
I am convinced the smell is coolant dripping on to the exhaust area. I will sort it out properly in the next week or so but scalded coolant smells like burning rubber all right

 

Check for a pinhole or slight crack in the base of the expansion tank. I had this on my 2001 and it would only open up occasionally after a good run but not always!

A few drips of coolant from this area went straight onto the exhaust and produced the characteristic smell. Problem in finding it was the coolant loss was so minimal that I was looking everywhere but the expansion tank.

Graham

 

All of us Illinois people should meet at the All-English show at Oakton Community College in July or August. Last year there were only 2 or 3 XK8's - but a lot of other interesting cars.

I'd consider changing the transmission filter and fluid. At your mileage several other wear items are getting near their life limit. Keep an eye out for symptoms relating to...

MAFS Sensor
ABS CPU
Throttle body & connectors
Fuel Pump
Water Pump

You may never have problems with any of these, but they are fairly common issues here on the forum. If you are average (or a little better) with a wrench they are not particularly difficult to deal with.

 

I have a similar smell and was advised of a very small leak by the water pump. Planning to have the water pump and thermostat replaced to see if that also gets the smell. Oakton Comm College sounds like fun. Looks like it was Sept. 11th last year. Perhaps we could put together a Chicago meeting in late May.

 

Thanks. I have jotted down the list and will check them against what I already know from the service records on this car. So far, so good. Carfax also has a lot of service done on this car. I think it was pampered all of its life, so all the better for me. I will take your advice on the tranmission oil change.

 

The Oakton event would allow me to meet other XK8 owners and get a chance to see other vehicles. I would definitely go.

 

Another thing to be aware of are the hydraulic hoses to the top latch for the convertible top - known weak point according to the forum(yes, mine failed and rewarded me with the infamous green shower :0( )

 

What are the chances my tensioners have been replaced if the serpentine belt and fan belts have already been replaced? I do not know how to pull off the cover to check to see what kind of tensioners I have. All I have to go on are previous Car Fax printouts.

 

There is really no relationship The secondary tensioners can be replaced by removing the valve covers without removing the belt. Also replacing just the belt (there is only one) is relatively quick and simple.