Thanks Graham.

I just called the Jag specialist to ask when they'd be able to look and described the problem. He said that it could just be that the level 'got a bit low' and needs topping up. Is it likely that the coolant level has over time just lowered slightly and a top up will sort me out. or is it more likely that there is something more sinister at work? Have to say I've never had to top up coolant on an engine before so I suspect the latter!

 

Just a note that the coolant is normally dilluted 50% with distilled water. In a crunch, if you are just a little low, or in an emergency, you can add distilled water instead. I suggest you add the distilled water to top it up before driving any further.

If the warning then comes up again rather quickly, you have a fast leak and the car should not be driven at all.

 

Added a little water and drove the 4 miles there and back to home on my lunch. An inspection under the car with engine on and can't see any water coming out of the engine bay.

Worryingly the knocking seems to be getting louder. It could just be paranoid with all the problems I seem to be having - When one is listening for noise then said noise tends to be louder! But it seems to be their weither the car is hot or cold.

I did a check of the oil and thankfully I couldn't see any creamy goo that would indicate a bad head gasket so hopefully that isn't the problem. However one thing that worries me is that when I checked the oil dipstick the level was reading quite a way over the max indication - However the car had only been stopped for just over an hour and the place it was parked isn't 100% level, there is a gentle incline downwards.

 

It's a shallow oil sump on the XK8 and having the car off level can make a big difference to the dipstick reading.

If you have any doubts about a possible water leak, have the system pressure tested.

Graham

 

Yeah pressure test seems the way forward. Shall have a check before I drive home tonight and see if the level has dropped!

Shall also try to finally get a recording of that sound!

 

James,
Most new XK owners feel much better if they ask their Doc for Valium 5mg four times a day.
That, ear plugs and copious doses of Red Medicine whilst NOT reading JF once the thing is parked up seems to cure most problems.

 

Haha too true!

Right I've checked the water and all appears to be well. The level hasn't dropped from where I filled it to, so all appears well there.

The knocking noise is still ever present, and now I have a lovely video of it. One thing I'm certain of its coming from the back of the engine, nearer to the firewall - Definately not the front as far as I can tell.


I've done another check of the oil....Most flat bit of land I can find, completely cold and the oil level is showing half an inch or so over the max line.... What should I do and what damage could have been done? It only had its service a couple of weeks ago from the garage that sold it to me so I guess they over-filled!

 

James,

Keep an eye on the level and consider a coolant drain, flush and refill before the onset of Winter. If the car has had a slight coolant loss over a period of time and occasional topping up with plain water, the coolant may be under strength. I always replace coolant in a new (to me) vehicle so I know it's exactly the required 50%.

As for the oil level. The difference between the bottom and the top of the hatched section on the dipstick is one litre. The MAX level is the upper hole on the dipstick and NOT the top of the hatched section. Are you reading the right mark?

The noise - from the recording the valve noise doesn't sound unusual but your asthma needs urgent attention.

Graham

 

Hi Graham,

yeah I'm fairly sure I'm checking it right, but will check agagin on my lunch and confirm. It looks like there are two holes, one min one max and mine appears to be way above the max... I'll take a picture and post it to be sure.

 

Jeez ! I wish my engine was that quiet. Go up to 6 valium

 

It certainly sounds worse from the cockpit - sounds like a tick tick tick... Perhaps I'm just a perrrrfectionist!

 

It isn't east to tell from a recording - particularly when there is (being polite) a little extraneous noise.
Is it worth trying again from inside the car - maybe with the camera on a seat to keep crashes and bangs down?

 

The noise was the wind! If I'm breathing like that I think it's me that needs the garage...ahem, doctor!

You'd think after years of owning a classic MG Midget I'd be used to knocks and bangs eh?

 

Another video -
Oil level is 100% definitely above the 'max' hole in the dipstick - about 1cm over it!

 

There's nothing clattering and banging there.

As the oil is definitely above the MAX, I'd like to bet whoever did the last change put in 2 x 4ltr containers instead of 7.8 ltr. If they also didn't raise the rear of the vehicle when draining it, there would have been some residual old oil left in. Better to be a little over than under.

Graham

 

Hi Graham - drained the excess oil and now feel far less paranoid! Water is holding level and i think right now perhaps my noises may be slightly paranoia induced! Going to get the car fully checked over by my local Indy at the end of the month so I'll let them worry about my niggles!

 

A couple of months ago the discussion about running the oil 1 qt. over was active. There was even a reference to a tsb recommending the practice and part # for a recalibrated dip stick.
RJ________________
97 XK8 86K mi

 

You've been out draining excess oil after midnight! Think I'll send my XK8 down to Nottingham for some of that TLC.

Keep the niggles coming.

Graham

 

When you drained the excessive oil did it change the sound when the engine was running? Have you checked the exhaust pipes? Wipe and clean the tips and check to see if one side is burning oil or carbon in a few days. I think it sound pretty good. Jim

 

Really does sound OK to me.