I'm new to Jaguars , I have a 1950 MG TD and 1954 MG TF and went out to look for a decent MGB to use to travel bit further afield than the TD and TF allow. Anyway, after bumping into an old friend I ended up with his 1999 XK8 with 44,000 miles on it for $7200, or about the same amount as a knackered MGB. It has had the timing chain tensioners replaced with 3rd gen units, thermostat housing, water pump replaced. The top lift cylinders were rebuilt and a pressure relief valve installed. Is there anything else I should do other than fluid changes before I start driving it as a weekend toy ?
Where are the weak point on this car ? I read about the Nikasil issue today, although it seems that this was an issue with high sulfur/low quality gas prior to 2007. I did a compression test today and got around 163 psi +/-4 psi across the cylinders.

 

Welcome to the forum!

It sounds like you've acquired a solid car that has already been improved at the common weak points. Just enjoy the car...you'll love it...and whenever you feel like dropping in or asking a question...THIS is the place to do it.

This forum has a GREAT bunch of guys with solid experience and most are always willing to help.

Congrats on the new car. BTW...I had a 1967 MGB GT for a few years...excellent condition...and I loved it. Kinda miss it, really.


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Again . . . welcome!

Sounds like you have already been introduced to all the common failings of these cars and are in good shape. The earlier cars had front suspension issues more that expected; wheel bearing and other suspension parts.

With good compression on a Nikasil engine you are in better shape than the steel lined versions because of the dramatic reduction to their failings because of sulfur a number of years ago.

Hope to see you as an active participant on the forum. Most come here for the first time a little less prepared than apparently you are.

 

Congratulations. Seems like a great deal. Post some pics when you can!

You have heard about the very common issues. One thing to clarify on the top: the most common issue seems to be the hose breaking at the latch (over the rearview mirror). Hopefully that line was replaced when someone was fixing the cylinders. They are very different jobs though so it wouldn't necessarily be "natural" for someone to do that. If not, hopefully the pressure relief set-up will prevent a future occurrence...I also have one of those just for that purpose!

A-drum failures in the transmission are also common banter around here. Very few have addressed it proactively from what I have read here but its an issue to be aware of and read about.

Enjoy it!!

 

Welcome! Congrats on the new car and on doing your homework well.

As far as weak points, the only somewhat significant one that comes to mind on a '99 is the transmission A-drum failure. Hopefully with your low miles and a fluid change you can keep that at bay.

Hope you have a blast with the car!

 

Thanks for the welcome guys, I have been looking through the Forums and there is a wealth of information available to make owning the XK8 a little less daunting. I will order the temperature and oil pressure kits (Real Gauge) from TheJagWrangler. I understand the concept of idiot lights, but idiot gauges, that's an interesting one. If I can get sensible information at a reasonable cost, why not..
I took the XK out for a run today, and I still have the smile, it does get a bit tail happy ( but predictable ) with the traction control turned off and a lot of right foot.......Just how a car should be.
The XK has been fed a diet of Bosch oil filters, Mobile 1 5w-30 in the winter and 0w-40 in the summer. Is this OK ? I'm tempted to go to Mobile 1 0w-30 all year round. What is the prevailing wisdom on the correct oil to use these days, rather than 13 year old dino oil information.

 

Let me second the top latch hoses. First thing that went out on mine. 2002 xk8. Mine actually blew at the couplings on the pump end. Once we got them removed, after most of the interior, they had been patched 6 times.
And watch the expansion tank as well.
They are addictive automobiles! I can't stop upgrading mine!!

 

Welcome to the forum Cerberos,

Good advice in the above posts. The 'HOW TO' thread at the top of this section is a good place to start for info on regular issues.

When you get a minute, please follow this link New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to the New Member Area - Intro a MUST section and post some info about yourself and your vehicle for all members to see. In return you'll get a proper welcome and some useful advice on posting to the forum.

Graham