Please see picture. Oil is seeping, and quite a lot from these ports with wires. The oil is seeping from both - that is on each side of the engine. This is on my just acquired 2004 XK8. Seller is helping with issues but I want to know what these are and what is likely cause and if I can do a quick fix. Thanks.

 

Make sure I'm giving you the right steer by checking the link below but looks like the variable valve timing solenoid seal to me. If it is correct just google the part number for better prices.

Camshaft Cover and Gasket-V8 - Parts For XK8 Coupe/Convertible from (V) A30645 | Jaguar Classic Parts AU

 

Those VVT's are a pain to keep leak free. According to the picture and description, I'd leave it alone until it gets worse. I've dealt with more oil leaks than I care to remember pertaining to those VVT's. The problem with those is that if the valve cover has been off before, they have to be 100% centered perfectly on the cylinder head in terms of all 4 spark plug tubes and the VVT solenoid. It takes time and patience to perform that.

 

They an be pried off from the top with a thin screwdriver and about as easy as it gets to replace. Just be sure to clean the area first to avoid contaminating the new seals.

 

The VVT seals are indeed challenging to keep seepage-free. I replaced both of them on my wife's 2006 XK8 a couple of years ago and the new seals are beginning to seep again, fortunately just a tiny amount but I know it will get worse as time passes. They say the key is to get the area absolutely squeaky-clean before you press the new seals into place. I spent considerable time doing that after I removed the original seals, wiping the entire area with paper towels until zero oil residue showed up on the paper towel. I then took my time pressing the new seals tightly into place with the tip of a wooden dowel so as not to damage their edges as the tip of a metal screwdriver would. So my efforts held up for a couple of years and I'll replace the current seals sooner or later. I think these VVT seals (regardless of where you purchase them from) are just another design flaw on these cars....

 

I always put a coat of Vaseline on them when installing.

 

My wife's 04 XJ8 are leaking, good to know they can be replaced without removing the valve covers.

 

The seal should be same as mine AJ82856. You just unplug the connection and pop the seal out/in. It is a 2 minute job on the XK8.

Here are some for 10 bucks each w/free shipping

 

Thanks to you all. Very informative and helpful replies.

 

Gives me something to add to my list of things to do, look at, maintain. I particularly like the easy fixes!

 

Being new here, have been fortunate enough to find out upper control arm's, for a Lincoln LS, or Thunderbird, are a lot more reasonable price wise, bought a set for about $120 delivered. As well as this bit of info, about the seals, got 4 for the price of 1. Hope to be a source of info in the future to others on this subject, as well as on old wings.Many thanks. Do we have a list of part swaps?

 

Check out this sticky HERE...

 

Got the old ones out and they look pristine. As there are reports that even new ones leak I'm thinking I'll put back the old ones with some high tack gasket sealant. Anyone see a problem with this?

 

Your car, your decision, but, speaking in generality, some folks do not like sealant because of the risk of getting some of it loose in the oiling system. It can get trapped and block supply to any downstream component...

 

I would not use a sealant. I would just replace the old VVT seals with new ones. If I have to do this every couple of years I can accept that even though I do not like it....

 

Wouldn't viton seals last longer? When mine arrive, i will take one to the local bearing shop to see if viton seals are available, after installing two of the four i ordered to see if they stop the leaks. If not available in viton, will have a set for the next time, if they do will have two.

 

I went to dealership. Hoen in Carlsbad, California. The parts guy looked at my seals and said they are perfect no need to replace. I said I'd put them back with some sealant and he OK, but he is a parts guy not a mechanic, but at least he was honest. I'll use as little as possible and let sealant dry bit and make sure its all in one piece and none hanging inside. Might try spray rubber sealer on the outside?

The problem seems to be that the seals are not a soft rubber; they are are hard solid plastic. Ought to be some after-market silicone ones.

 

UPDATE: Here is what I did. Taking heed of the warning of globs of sealant in the oil I painted both the inside and outside surface of the hard plastic seal with liquid rubber, the type used to insulate electric wires. I let it fully dry then set the seals with a 1 3/8th inch socket. They seem really snug and there is nothing on the inside to contaminate the oil. I'll let you know if they fail.

 

Have yet to put sealant onto a seal, makes no sense. But one sometimes needs to try a different approach to solve a problem.

 

Keep us posted. I'm betting they will eventually seep. Hard to overcome a design flaw....