Hi.
This is my first post on this forum, although I am a member of other forums that I have sadly found wanting.
I have been the owner of a few Jaguars over the years, and now have just bought a 1998 xk8 coupe in Sapphire blue.
It clearly has blowby problems, as the air bow and filter were oil soaked. I have checked all breathers, and have diverted the large breather pipe into a catch can and then back to the air box so that I can save the air filter more oil soaking. It starts from cold extremely well, and runs smooth as silk, in fact that is why I got caught with this car, and unscrupulous seller who hid the problem with a good cleanup prior to my arrival.
I started out by taking compression tests on each cylinder, and 2 were found to be very low, 60 and 75 , not adjoining, whereas the others were between 125 and 150. I 'steam cleaned ' the inside of the engine by introducing vapourised water in small amounts through the large breather hole. This improved things a lot. The 2 cylinders that were very low have increased to around 125 and 150!!! Others cylinders have stayed pretty much the same, or increased as well. Good mews, although I know that a compression test is not going to answer all the questions, its the only thing available to me here in the least populated area of france (more cows than people).
The catch can now doesnt fill with much oil, but as the compression is so different on the cylinders, and there is still blowby smoke out of the dipstick hole, I was thinking of trying an oil additive. I have been reading on this forum and others about 3 products, and would like feedback from any private individual who has used any of these products and what they thought of them?
They are Ametech engine restore, Cermet, and Xado. I have read that they can help improve the cylinder problems I have, and am eager to try something that might help. The cars drives so well, I cant bring myself to spend time and money on a new engine, it seems mad.


Paul

 

Try TC-W3 grade two stroke oil at 1:500 ratio in your gasoline. One of the observed benefits is that it frees up gummed up rings. It *must* be TC-W3 and not some other two stroke oil. Castrol works well and should be available in France.

 

You've checked your breathers, but have you confirmed that the oil separator is in place in your right-side valve cover? I had symptoms like yours when I purchased my 1997, but it turned out to be a missing oil separator.

Take a look here, photos will show you what to look for:

Oil in the Airbox - might be an easier fix than you think FAQ





.

 

Paul - hope your issue gets resolved quickly - since this is your first post, please take a moment and go to the New Member Area and post an introduction.

New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum

regards,

 

I've used Restore for a couple of years with no ill effects and no problems with the "cylinder wash" problem. No before and after compression measures for you.
Interesting on the 2-stroke oil....Mercury and Yamaha also make a product for their outboards to decarbonize that they recommend using once a year. Wonder how it works in 4-stroke car engines?

 

Hi.
I will introduce myself this evening.
The oil seperator is in place, I have checked that.Thank you.
Re- Restore, have you noticed any difference in the amount of oil in the air box, if this was a problem before? What I am hoping to achieve with an additive is a reduction in pressure in the engine as it has blown the crank rear oil seal, which has a small drip even after standing for several days.


Paul

 

No, I didn't have any oil in the airbox before using Restore. Your problem sounds like it will take more than a can of additive to fix. Hopefully one of the techs/engine guys can help you out.

 

What is the part number for the oil separator or how do I look up the part? Mine has the same problem...

 

Hi.
My oil seperator is in place, I had the covers off to fix leaks there.


Cheers.


Paul

 

Agreed. That much blowby sounds serious and beyond what a miracle in a can might possibly do.

The trickling water idea might knock a bit of carbon loose, but not do much for blowby.

 

The separator is a small metal baffle on the inside of the cam cover where the breather hose hole is. Don't think it's a seperate part. I believe it's only on the oil filler side cam side.

 

I ordered 3 tubes of Xado, a ceramic metal additive. There are a few good reviews, and ones that sound like advertising, but I guess whether it works or not, only time will tell. I will post the findings on here at a later date, and ill be honest and let you all know if Ive wasted €30.


Paul

 

Hi Paul, did you get any success with the xado engine treatment?
I bought some for the gearbox just as an insurance thing, not put it in yet but for a tenner thought it was worth a try.
Cheers,
Arty

 

Go to the driver valve cover,CAREFULLY REMOVE the oil breather line from the front of valve cover.


Unclog the HOLE ON THE NIPPLE ON VALVE COVER,its caked up.

This will send oil to your air filter, because the driver side is doing all the oil vapor actions.


The two cylinders with low compression are usually the cylinder wash down victims, and you will continue to get bad readings that are false from the injectors staying on when the car is cut off.

Nothing you can do about that,except add a can or restore to your oil change,but as the engine warms up a little ,the cylinders are fine as the car is driving., just not when you do your compression check.

Been through this too many times man same readings,nothing is wrong with your engine.These car are "special"

 

Hi.
Aode.
I have already unblocked that breath hole. For me, its on the passenger side, and requires a 2.5 mm drill bit. Am I thinking of the same thing?
I have posted another thread about this problem and a possible blockage, it should be quite high on the list, perhaps you could give me an opinion on that?


ArtyH
I used the Xado, and found it has made absolutely no difference at all to noise, mpg, comression etc. I wouldnt buy it again. Still, like you say, worth a tenner.


Paul

 

Paul,

Thanks for posting the results.

Many of us just discount claims for products like this but you've given it a fair trial and come to your conclusions based on practical experience.

Graham