I recently purchased a 1998 Jaguar xk8 with 60K original miles on it. It is clean and mechanically in good shape. Within the next 2 months I need to drive approximately 600 miles to a relatives wedding and then drive back. I know about the timing problems and the thermostat problems and at some point I am going ot address both. Right now I just want to know what to check on to make my journey sale, Thank you in advance , Dan

 

Dan,

It's all in the detail!

If the vehicle has been lightly but regularly used and correctly maintained then a check on fluid levels and tyre pressures is all you need. Alternatively, if it's been sitting idle for a few years or only had infrequent use and sporadic maintenance then anything in rubber from hoses to suspension bushes to tyres could fail.

You have to decide where your XK8 lies between these extremes and do the necessary maintenance or repair work.

Graham

 

My advice would be to correct all known issues or confirm they have been handled, like the thermostat and timing tensioners you mentioned. I would take the car for a mini trip (100 miles) or so and see if any warnings comes up or it starts making a weird noise. You know your car best and how it should run and operate, if anything changes on this shorter trip try to fix it or at least diagnose the problem before your trip to the wedding.

 

I would be leary of driving anywhere without having timing chain tensioners updated.

But if you going to be driving the XK8 regardless, then I’d check all hoses for bulges or abnormal soft spots. Aside from that, it’s always a good idea to start a trip with clean fluids. Such as engine oil, transmission fluid, and read end lubricant.

Be sure to tell the bride-to-be it’s not too late to back out.


Z

 

I agree with Zray! I would be afraid to even crank the Car with the Plastic Tensioners! Been there, done that!

Billy Clyde @ Cinco Ranch