A question guys I am just about to have the Timing chain renewed, recently bought my 1st Jaguar XK8 R, It has a full history with Jaguar but just for piece of mind I want them changed.
The bill is suprisingly good with local Jaguar dealer. However I notice on the bill break down that it includes a complete oil change, and the recommendation is that the oil to be replaced should be, Castrol SLX Prof. Powerflow LL3 5W-30/ from Castrol, what are your thought guys as I want to buy a few litres to keep on stock at the house.

 

An oil change is not a bad idea after internal work.

Jaguar recommends 5w-30 dino oil but many use synthetic.

I cannot imagine that brands matter since the oil meets industry technical specifications and most if not all current oils far exceed specification requirements of nearly 20 years ago when these cars were designed.

 

With a 10K Jag recommended oil change, at least on my 97 XK8, I always assumed that synthetic was preferred, if not required.


I use Castrol Edge 5/30 with a Mann filter and change it at the half interval point of 5K -- just because it is easy and cheap. I there was another oil on sale, I would buy that brand.


If it turns out that I can use Dino, which I will affirm in my manual, then I will go with that.

 

There has been MUCH discussion on this issue. The winning vote seems to be either dino or Synthetic will work just fine. The advantage of the synthetic seems to be longer life, so depends on how often you change the oil, type of driving and environment.

The manual will have viscosity recommendations by environment if memory serves.

One thing that is important regardless of oil type is the proper filter. Use the Jag, Mann or other filter that has the valve to retain oil at shutoff. Starting one of these engines dry is not a great thing for the long haul.

 

Unless you are intending to do your own oil changes, why would you want to keep a few litres on stock?

The V8 should NOT leak and should NOT require topping up between service intervals. When I do the return trip from the North of England to Marbella and beyond, I don't carry spare oil with me.

Graham

 

Graham I agree, that they do not leak, however old school, always liked to ltr on in the store cupboard, Just call me Old Fashioned . Thanks.