Well, it's winter for us in NC, 32F and mist, all day.
So my accelerator cable seemed to be moving a long way before having any effect on the engine.
On inspection there was only a zip tie on the bracket. A 2000 XK8, which should have a fold over clip to hold the outer cable in place. No such clip to be found.
Looked it up on SNG and couple of other places and said I'll get 4 to make up a order.
Lets see what the shipping is for $14 worth of clips to put in a soft envelop.
You ready for this $16.85 Priority, $37 two day and $185 overnight. I guessing it cost a lot to print a label, stuff the envelop, fine the part and put it in a pick up bin. $10 and I was in, but will just make one.

 

I've noticed here in the UK parts prices remain competitive but the supplier profit margins increasing by loading the shipping costs on small items. An example that surprised me recently was a Brake Pad Wear Sensor lead costing less than 6 UKP. A small. lightweight item, it arrived in a normal mail envelope after two days and the "Postage and Packing" was more than the cost of the part.






At the opposite end of the scale, a new front alloy Kalimnos Wheel still in the original Jaguar packaging and discounted to less than half price was delivered for 10 UKP:




Both examples are from different aftermarket Jaguar parts specialists. Both items were delivered by the same carrier.

Graham

 

Crazy.
Not car related, but I ordered a replacement stylus from Germany last year. A small and lightweight item shipped by Deutschepost for around €5. I looked recently for a spare, and the shipping had risen to €30 - courier only option.

 

Shipping costs have indeed increased substantially during this pandemic....

For more than 15 years now it has been significantly less costly for me to order our canine heartworm preventative meds from a supplier in Australia. I typically place our annual order every March. It will be interesting to see if this will still be the most cost-effective method come next month....

 

Wayne,
I checked all my cars I have with me here in California. The 2000 XK8, 99 XJ8, & 98 XJ8 , all have zip ties holding the plastic adjusting bracket. I have not had a problem with any throttle on any of them. Is it possible that you cable is sliding in the bracket(another piece of plastic going bad on our cars)

2000 XK8

 

TSB for info

 

Bob, thanks, that is exactly what the problem is. There are no plastic clips, can't even find pieces down below.
I'll make one out of a big spring clip for screws that slides along a shelf. Use a Dremmel tool to cut a slot that fits over the outer cable on both sides. I'll put a tie on it, just to look right.
As info, the clips ranged from $2.75 to $6, so not a bad deal, just had nothing to pad the order up high enough for free shipping.
OH, and thanks for the close up, no doubt what needs to be done.

 

Motorcarman, good information.
If it wasn't a trip of 60 miles, Just out of curiosity I'd make a trip down there and give them a print of your post.
What do you think? Not going to hold out for their fix. LOL

 

Wayne,
That piece of plastic is part of the cable and it adjusts the cable as shown in Motorcarman's TSB. If the cable for 99XJ8 is the same as the 2000 XK8 I can send one to you. It is a spare.

 

This is what the piece looks like. It will unscrew but you can't get it off the cable because of the little cylinder thing that hooks onto the throttle body.

 

Bob, what a nice gesture, and thank you.
Let me try my clip method and if that doesn't give me a positive looking fix, I'll get in contact with you.
Adjusting is one thing and looks like getting it on or off is another. Never easy.