I have a 98 XKB. No engine issues, no leaks as far as I am aware. Oil and filter not been changed for at least 18 months. It has used a litre and a half in the year since I bought it. I have done about 4000 miles (total mileage about 60,000) Should I be concerned? Will be changing oil and filter in a few months. After topping up and letting it run in, oil is pretty clear. Any thoughts?

 

As an addendum and unlikely to be related. It seems to run pretty rich after startup (smell of petrol). I assume this is normal, once upto temperature seems fine. Thoughts on this also welcome as due for MOT now. If it fails MOT due to emissions, is it a quick fix/tweak?

 

the first think that comes to mind is, “leaks”! .

then check the intake pipe for any oiliness. Same for the exhaust end.

lack of a puddle of oil on your garage floor might mean it only leaks when the engine is running. So check for any oiliness in the under carriage.

if you come up blank on those possibilities then you are left with oil being sucked into the combustion chamber via the intake valve seals or coming by the piston rings. In either case I’d try a quality 0w-40 oil at the upcoming oil change. Like Mobil 1 0w-40. The 40 weight might slow down oil getting into the combustion chamber (a little).

And the 0w-40 is a viscosity, one of the viscosities, recommended in the owners manual. I’ve been using it for 7 years / 80,000 miles and use zero oil.

A car with your low mileage should not be using oil, especially at the rate you say. My 2002 XKR has 199,000 + miles , and is not using oil.

You might have a stuck ring due to inactivity. Driving the car a lot more is always a good idea. These cars do not do well sitting in the garage.

Z

 

You may want to read this to better understand the Nikasil engine block. I would recomend using 5 or 10w 30 oil or add a can of Restore to your oil. Restore is not a placebo it works.
JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource

Gus
JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource

 

Check that the part load breather in the LH camcover isnt blocked. Its just a 2.5 mm hole in there!

 

Hi Zray,
Been in hospital for a bit. Thanks for your very informative comment. I think the previous owner was probably very sedate, whereas on occasion I may be more vigorous which may be the cause of seal/gasket issues do you think?

 

Thanks Gus!

 

Thanks Nor!