After six months of educating myself on this forum, I am getting ready to buy. Next week I am flying out to Scottsdale AZ from FL to purchase a 97 XK8 convertible, white w/beige, w/fewer than 63K, for $13,500.

I had a friend check it out and its general condition is excellent: 9.5 out of 10.0. Judging by the appearance of the seller’s garage (He restores vintage Ferraris), the vehicle has been very well maintained by a knowledgable and dedicated owner.

I am satisfied I understand most of the early production problems such as tensioners, control arm bushings, wheel bearings, water pump, etc. However, there is one lingering doubt which stems from the infamous Nikasil liner problem. Short of performing a complete compression test, what, if any, diagnostics would reveal a defective cylinder wall / piston ring seal? Does a Nikasil-defective engine use excessive amounts of oil?

I am aware of the hard starting characteristics created by low compression in terminal cases. But are there any other symptoms or clues to look for? Are there any visual diagnostics? Does the blow-by oil collect somewhere it is easily detected?

If it checks out OK, and the car is roadworthy, my lifelong best friend and I are going to take a cross country road trip 2200 miles from his house back home to mine. I cant think of a more fun thing to do during my first year of retirement!

Finally, I want to thank you all for your help.

Cheers, Gordo

 

Can't tell you about the Nikasil liner, but wanted to wish you all the best on your road trip! It sounds like a great bonding opportunity, and has alot of great potential for memorable moments. Be sure to take a camera and document as you go!

 

with regard to the Nikasil problem , there is no need to carry out a full compression check,

Jaguar have developed a special test for this problem , it is called a ' blow-by ' test, and it measures how much gas leaks past the pistons , a reading of less then 29ltrs/min is wanted, any more and the engine is FUBAR , it is a simple task of connecting up the meter to the crank case, and reading the pressures created ,

mine came in at 19 ltrs/min, which is fine , that was on a 4ltr 1999 engine , no engine is ' perfect ' and all engines will have some blow-by , but the lower the better

in the UK, Jaguar charge £25 for this stand alone test, some even do it for free if you use them regularly...........

hope this helps

BB

 

I would also remove the oil filler cap and look in there with a flash light. Look for carbon buildup or sludge. If you see it on the cam bearing caps, I would either stay away or be prepared to replace engine. The plus side is the replacement will be non nikasil. Good luck.

 

Does anyone know if the "Blow-By Test"is regularlyavailable at US dealerships?

Thanks guys.

PS: Brake buster, I read your tensioner replacement DIY. Very helpful indeed.

 

I personally only do the compression test. Find it very accurate way of diagnosing specific cylinders. I know my dealer does not have the blowby tester.

 

I couldn't find an OEM spec for this test. Most engine compression ratings are 150 psi.plus or minus 10%. Is the AJ26 in this range?

 

120psi is normal with no more than 10% varience between cylinders.

 

Thanks for your support Jag Tech. You guys have been great.

Now I am keeping my fingers crossed on this one. I hate going so far out on a limb for a car; but on this one I am acting on therecommendationmy best friend whohas seen this car. Tom knows cars, and he says this Jagis, "Immaculate..Even underneath!" He adds,the seller is an OCD Car Nut. You really can't get a better combo than that ;-) gordo