newbie,only had my xk8 3 weeks and standing in traffic smell of burnt oil fills the car,i put it on auto (heater but this does"nt seem to make any difference open window ,move off and it goes any ideas what is causing this please,car was serviced 2000 niles ago,thank you in anticipation

 

I had this happen on a sometime basis, especially when I stopped more suddenly. The valve cover gasket would leak a drop of oil where it seeped through and then dropped on the exhaust manifold producing the burnt oil smell. It would quickly burn off and then not come back for quite sometime. It never affected oil consumption or caused any problems, and when I changed my tensioners, we replaced the gasket. Obviously, chase down the leak, but if it's just an occasional gasket seepage issue, I wouldn't be too concerned about any imminent problem.

 

I had the same smell, and, like tberg, I had an oil leak. Mine came from under the left valve cover gasket and would drip down onto the shield for the exhaust manifold. I just tightened the valve cover up a bit and it went away, but be careful not to tighten too much, as you may damage the gasket.

If that does not work, you will just need to replace the gasket. (and probably both sides, while you are at it)

 

Welcome to the forum dodgerjames,

My vote also goes for the rubber Camshaft Cover gasket.

When you get a minute, please follow this link New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to the New Member Area - Intro a MUST section and post some info about yourself and your vehicle for all members to see.

In return you'll get a proper welcome and some useful advice on posting to the forum.

Graham

 

it was not an oil leak as i first thought,but a split in the expansion tail and this was droppin straight on the exhaust,is this too difficult to take out and replace with new and then top up,it had a service 2000-3000 ago so do i need to flush and refill?

 

Expansion tail .............. ?

Do you mean the Expansion Tank - dripping coolant onto the exhaust manifold?

Graham

 

I also have an oil smell, what torque value should you tighten the bolts too? Also what is the sequence?

 

yes i meant tank and manifold,i now have the new tank is there anything i should watch out for on a simple job like this thankyou

 

Absolutely essential to drink the right bottle of wine before starting.

This is because you'll need the cork to plug the bottom outlet hose (arrowed in red) to prevent coolant loss whilst switching tanks:



The Bleed Hose (arrowed in blue) also needs plugging. A quarter inch extension or an old AAA battery fits.

Graham

 

done and dusted and no probs,also had a hc at the main dealers where i bought the part and got a clean bill of health so thank you all