Hi, newbie here looking for an XK8 in sunny Florida. Researching articles (mainly UK) saying that: Don't buy a 1996 - 2000 VIN from 001036 to 042775 inclusive unless the engine has been replaced indicated by a special tag to the nearside of the engine block on a reconditioned engine.

Question: Does anyone know if this problem applied in the USA? Or are/were sulphur levels in US fuel different?

Thanks, Chris

 

To my knowledge, the problem applied mostly to the USA as fuel quality (high sulfur) was worse back then here as compared to Europe. Then fuel standard were later upgraded in the USA and the root cause of this Nicasil problem went away. Jaguar apparently replaced very few engines under these circumstances. The superficial understanding is that the excess sulfur somehow became sulfuric acid in engines driven short distances when moisture is involved. In actuality, these Nicasil engines were built with better tolerances and are somewhat desirable in a sense. The general wisdom is that if the particular engine you are looking at has not developed issues by now, it is no worse that the equivalent steel lined engine, and probably a bit better. Do your research, I believe the tell-tale sign of Nicasil problems was excess oil in the breather hose/air box, or something to that effect.

To say it another way, there are several reasons to prefer a later car to an earlier one, but Nicasil is not one of them.

Best of luck, keep us posted.

PS: And by the way, the last Nicasil engine is identified by engine #, not VIN.

 

fmertz is correct. I have a 1997 with 117,000 miles and runs like a top. The one thing that is important on the older models is to be absolutely sure that the Upper Timing Chain Tensioners have been updated. If you can't verify before purchase plan to remove the cam covers and inspect or replace them. approximately $250.00 in parts.

 

Thanks very much for the guidance, certainly puts things in better perspective. As many enthusiasts say, if the engine is running smoothly today, it's unlikey that the problem is an issue. I'm looking at lower mileage examples and there is a good choice of early and later models, would you recommend a particular production year(s) and what are the virtues? Leaning towards a coupe.

 

I'll definitely take any purchase stright to a specialist and have the timing chain tensioner examined and replaced if necessary, thanks for the advice.

 

The vanilla answer is to stick with 2003 and later cars with the 6HP26 transmission and the 4,2L engine, if you can stomach paying more upfront. OTOH, the earlier cars can be more of a bargain if you are comfortable with the more problematic 5HP24 and possibly replacing tensioners (a one time thing). As usual, getting an older car makes a lot more $ense when you do most of your own work, but many do not follow this rule. Of course keep in mind acquisition cost is only part of the picture.

There is good information on the stickies regarding common issues. For real information, jagrepair.com has a bunch of model updates pdfs detailing what changed over time so you can get a good perspective as to when a feature became available. Keep in mind these cars are "modern" in the sense that they have several data bus technologies and typically require the use of a specific data scanner for most diagnostics procedures.

 

Welcome to the forums Chris,

I have two concerns:

1. you give your Location as FLORIDA but your IP Address is in Cochabamba, BOLIVIA
2. you use the English spelling of sulphur instead of the American sulfur

You need have little concern about a nikasil (lipophilic nickel matrix silicon carbide) liner engine. The high sulphur content in fuel that caused the rapid wear was removed many years ago. If it is still running today with satisfactory compression, the coating will be harder than a plain steel liner.

Graham

 

I have a Nikasil car, and is completely fine. Runs exactly as well as my other 4.0 which is steel lined made in December after the cut over.

 

I had a Nikasil Vanden Plas (XJ8). It was a 2001 - one of the last (Nikasil). It was a great car, ran like a scalded dog, revved to 6850 when pushed. I did change the secondary valve chain tensioners. The Nikasil, I believe is harder and slipperier (sp?), and so, more prone to bore wash. But as long as you are aware of that, it's no problem. Having said that, there are other issues with the earlier models, as mentioned above.

 

I love the Nikasil lined engines. Driven both (mine is a 2001 and the other was 2003 I believe). it spins like a top, The Nikasil engine runs free at top RPM with room to spare. Whereas the regular liner felt like it was being robbed of HP at high RPMs.