2006 XK8....

What is the two-wired round sensor that is mounted directly between the oil dipstick handle and the top radiator hose in the 4.2 engine? I was checking the coolant level in the reservoir just now and noticed two or three drops of oil that appear to have seeped from behind that sensor's gasket....

How do I remove that sensor? I do not see any wrench fittings on it. I attempted to twist it off with my hand but it would not budge and I did not want to force it and wind up breaking it....

Are those particular gaskets known to leak? Can a new gasket be purchased separately, or does Jaguar only sell them in sets along with a new sensor?

As always, thanks for any assistance you can provide....

 

Is it on the valve cover? Is there also one on the opposite valve cover?

If so, those are the VVT solenoids. You can remove the rubber gaskets simply by prying them up with a small screwdriver a bit at a time around the perimeter.

A new gasket will just press in by hand.

 

post Pics if you do it Jon, double the photos if you break it in the process.

 

Variable Camshaft Timing Oil Control Solenoid. It is bolted in place and the Camshaft Cover has to be removed before the Solenoid can be removed:



If it's only the Seal leaking, there is no reason to remove the Sensor.

The Valve Seal (see item 7) is listed as available separately from the Camshaft Cover Gasket Set:



Part Number : AJ82856

Graham

 

Graham,

Did you attempt to post a couple of photos or diagrams in your reply above? All I see are a couple of red x's....

Is this a common oil leak location on the XK8? I don't recall reading about it here on the forum previously....

And how do I disconnect the two-wire electrical clip at the top of the solenoid in order to remove the old seal and push in the new seal? I didn't see the typical click-and-remove connection that I've come to expect on this car....


Thanks for the very specific information, guys. When my wife gets home with her XK8 this evening, I'll have a closer look and attempt to gain a better understanding. She's leaving for Tampa tomorrow on one of her solo visits to her parents' house, so this issue will have to wait for her return late next week. That's a 1,500-mile round-trip. I saw only a couple of oil droplets yesterday on the drivers-side solenoid gasket. The car's dipstick oil level remains completely full, so I'm assuming there's no imminent danger in her taking the XK8 on her trip as she wants to do. I doubt if I can scare her into taking the S-Type this time....

 

Update:

Only the drivers-side solenoid o-ring seal appears to have this very minor oil drip on it. The passenger-side o-ring seal is still bone-dry....

These simple o-ring seals sell for $27.60 each at my local dealership! I know Jaguar prices are high, but this is for a rubber o-ring that should retail for three bucks, tops....

Anyone know of a generic equivalent that will fit properly and not leak?

 

Jon, thanks for the part price above.

The 2003 XK8 that I had been and will be wrenching on also is inneed of the VVT seals along with both valve cover and sparkie seals. I am going to see if FelPro makes an aftermarket seal kit that contains those seals if not I will try Motorcars LTD. The vehicle should be here in about 2 weeks for the work. I will post pics of the procedures, of course.

 

Thanks for your input, Rick. If you find a less costly VVT O-ring seal source, please let me know. I truly do not want to be gouged $28 for a simple rubber washer. Sure wish that the trusty new-and-improved S-Type IMT O-ring would fit there. It would be close but no cigar....

Jan's XK8's driver-side seal leak is barely perceptible right now, so this is not an urgent fix for me. In fact, she drove the car to Tampa yesterday for her early Christmas visit with her parents. She reported no issues after the trip down there....

 

Jon,

Yes - I had included these two diagrams:





Thumbnails should appear OK this time?

Graham

 

The design is more like a shaft seal with an internal metal ring embedded in the rubber, so it is not quite as cheap as a simple o-ring.

In any event, I do agree it is still overpriced. Gaudin has it for 20 bucks.

 

Jon I wonder if these are the same:

2004 Jaguar XJ8 Valve Cover O-Ring AJ82856


Leith Jaguar wants $31.50 ea.

 

Same part number, same 4.2-litre engine, should be the same part....

Leith Jaguar quoted me $27.60 each, but they know that I shop around and will not pay their inflated country club clientele prices. So they've learned to quote me their best price on every part or they won't be selling to me....

 

Can I just check in relation to the seal shown as number 7 in the picture posted by Graham, is this the one that WhiteXKR says can be replaced by levering out without needing to remove the rocker cover? Mine are both leaking but I was told the cover had to come off so I haven't got round to doing them yet. If they can be done without dismantling I can more easily find time to do them!

 

Yes #7 is it. Absolutely no need to take off the rocker cover. Just remove the electrical comnnector and wipe down the body of the solenoid with some solvent to avoid contaminating the new seal.

 

Update:

My wife's XK8 has done more than 1,500 miles since I noticed the two or three oil droplets on the drivers-side VVT solenoid seal about ten days ago. All I did upon discovery was to wipe it clean and attempt to push it further down in place around the solenoid. The seal currently appears to be bone dry. I'll add this to my weekly checklist and just keep an eye on it. No point blowing nearly $60 replacing the two seals until it is actually warranted....

Did an oil & filter change / tire rotation yesterday at 54,700 miles. I hope this car is now settling in for me. I've put about $500 into it during the last couple of months replacing the plastic air intake duct, the brake pedal switch, both front tires (75% paid for by Michelin due to the failed front pair of Pilot Sport A/S Plus tires that came with the car), and a few other minor parts. My Ram and S-Type have been cruising along for the past couple of years requiring nothing beyond simple routine maintenance. I hope I can manage to get my wife's XK8 in that same groove very soon....

 

Thanks to all in this thread. You just saved me a ton of money!!!

 

Hey fellas, same problem on my 2003 xk8. Problem is that everywhere online that I look, the AJ82856 part number is not compatible with my year. Is that correct? Doesn't seem right.

 

The official name for this part is: variable camshaft timing oil control solenoid seal
I see URO Parts aftermarket price under $10. They are pretty cool little gaskets. Metal inner shape with molded covering.

 

kramzerreitug,

If you have the 4.2 engine with variable valve timing, AJ82856 VVT O-ring seals will indeed fit your car....

 

Did anyone mention that when changing the seal - you don't remove the sensor. It is fixed in position. You need only remove the seal by prying it up. Put the new one in with a very light coating of clean oil. Tap it down with a blunt tool making sure it is seated all the way around.