Hi Everyone, I recently purchased a 2006 XK8 and it does have a series of leaks in the transmission, oil pan and valve covers. I like the mechanic I took it to, but he is suggesting that I replace all the pans along with the gaskets. His reasoning is that they would not be able to pull the pan off without tweaking it and then a new gasket wouldn't fix the leak? I plan on doing the job myself, but do I really need to replace the Oil Pan, Trans Pan and Valve covers along with the gaskets?? Working on small block ford or chevy engines in my youth, I would not have replaced them, but maybe Jags are different beast.

 

I have never heard of such a thing before. I have had occasion to level off a pan or cover using a glass plate and an abrasive but even that would probably not have been necessary with careful use of a suitable sealant.

Richard

 

The 4.2 transmission filter and pan are one piece, and the valve covers are hundreds of dollars, if you can find them. The valve covers do sometimes develop cracks, which can be repaired with epoxy, the cracks usually caused by over tightening. The oil pan will not leak if the fasteners are tightened to spec.

 

As stated above, you need to replace the trans pan. It has the filter integrated, and comes with a gasket. I have never heard of anybody recommending replacing an oil pan or valve cover unless they were damaged. I have no idea how you could possibly tweak the oil pan by removing it unless you were some ham-fisted oaf. Maybe you should do some DIY or find a different mechanic? The oil pan is an extremely simple item to service. The valve covers only slightly more complicated. The trans is simple but messy and it requires a specific fill procedure.

BTW, unlike the SB Chevy, none of these items use a "gasket." They all use "seals," essentially o-rings. Much easier to replace than a gasket, i.e. no scraping involved. But they don't tend to last as long as a good gasket. They flatten out and harden over time and start to leak.

Pro tip - while the trans pan is off, replace the mechatronics sleeves. It's probably time.

 

Definitely this.

 

Valve covers are certainly hard to find. There are almost none new available. I’ve got this one on order. Two sites say it should fit my 4.2 nonsupercharged. Fingers crossed that they’re correct.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/23587328709...mis&media=COPY

30 day return policy, so I’m rolling the dice. I’ll repost an update if it fits…or doesn’t.

 

NOMA is an excellent source for parts, and I've found their fitment statements to be quite accurate. You'll be fine.

 

Thanks Y2K. I appreciate the words. Will let you know how it all works out. I have already ordered the trans pan kit. Will order a sleeve before I do the job.

 

It's a sleeve "kit." There are like 4 or 5 pieces. They fit between the mechatronics, i.e. valve body, and the trans housing. So the valve body has to be dropped to change them. Here's a link to a video.

 

I purchased this the replace my cracked right side valve cover. And it fit.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/23587328709...mis&media=COPY

It’s listed for a 06-09 XJ8. Part number 235873287095. The seller said it would fit the same 4.2 non supercharged in my 03 XK8 and they were right.

Wanted to share since these pieces often fail, are hard to find, and if you’re only looking for XK8 replacements, you’ll drive yourself mad.

 

Mahle VS50672 complete valve cover set 60$ check rockauto thank me later

 

Find another mechanic for the engine just replace the gaskets take a look on rockauto if you have some knowledge it's easy to do the valve covers but the oil pan need some experience in some cases thick layer of permatex gasket maker will solve this issue for a more than a year but just do the right thing