Hi all,
As I've explained in the new member section, I'm the proud new owner of a 2006 XK8 Victory Edition. I was fortunate enough to find one with only 20k miles on it, but of course that's a double edged sword because it's unlikely it was actively maintained with that little use in 15 years. Also, it appears that the first 18k miles were put on during the first year of its use, and it has only been driven 2k miles in the ensuing 14 years. I believe the second owner, from whom I purchased the car, was ill for the past few years and was unable to drive it. So, it is entirely possible that this car has sat virtually untouched for 10+ years.

That being the case, I am trying to anticipate and prevent any damage or issues that might stem from the car having sat for so long. I've already done an oil change, brake fluid change, replaced the 15yo tires, and done the manual latch conversion after experiencing the green shower on my first use of the top. Is there anything else that members here would recommend? Change coolant and transmission fluid, perhaps? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Glen

 

Do you have service records detailing what has been / has not been done prior to your ownership ?


Barring that, I’d replace the serpentine belt, the coolant and ATF, as you have mentioned. Also the rear end lubricant. Age can adversely affect all fluids and the cost of replacement is low.

Z

 

Thanks, unfortunately the previous owner passed away and his family could not locate any service records, so I'm flying blind here.

 

It sounds like you pretty much have done all the fluids. I would check the electrical system and make sure the alternator is working. It seems like you are in a similar position of breaking in a new car. Just drive in easy and not to long and check for leaks from dried out seals. One thing I would do as you break in the car would be to hook up a live data scanner and monitor the engine termperature as the guages are not very useful in regards to engine termperature or oil pressure.

 

Hello glenmo25. I will be closely following your thread. I also just bought a 2006 XK8. The owner bought it about 6 years ago with no service records from a dealer. The only servicing he has done since buying it was have the brake fluid changed upon his purchase, tires, and having the oil changed periodically since. He only drove the car about a 1000 miles a year with a total of 48000 miles on the vehicle. He even told me he thought he had a lifetime air filter in the car. I checked the air filter (Fram) immediately and it looked new so it must have been changed during the last oil job. I will be putting the XK8 away for the winter shortly but I will have the coolant changed first thing in the Spring.

 

With that little use, the condition of all the fuel-related components would be my biggest worry. Rust in the tank, separated gas, gummed up fuel pump, injectors and fuel pressure sensor. Plus whatever else sits in the filter. I'd resist the urge to put injector cleaner in the mix for fear of dislodging bad stuff and push it further upstream. There is pain involved, but I would try and get to that tank opening and do some visual inspection. If you are lucky, that (expen$ive) fuel pump can be saved. You might have to either drop the tank, or drill an access hole through the sheet metal unfortunately.

Separately, the condition of the oil cooler lines would be next in line. They see tremendous pressure and are just rubber crimped on Aluminum. These hydraulic lines have a normal service life of 10 years. If one of these joints slips, all the engine oil is dumped on the road within seconds. Kind of pricey, but easy job.

Engine coolant is likely past its service life too. After checking you already have the same, flush and replace with Dexcool. Of course the entire set of cooling rubber lines will have to be checked for any sign of old age (bulging, soft rubber, etc.). The 2 heater lines under the intake are a pain of a job.

Best of luck, keep us posted.

 

FLUIDS and RUBBER components. New battery if not already replaced.

Change ALL fluids. oil (done), transmission, diff, brake, coolant, fuel and screenwash.

Rubber deteriorates with time as well as miles. I'd change ALL the coolant hoses and seriously consider a caliper rebuild with new seals.

You have an excellent model in the Victory Edition. Putting $$ into maintenance on such a low mileage example and building a verifiable service history is money well spent. Brings peace of mind as you enjoy the ownership and makes it a very desireable vehicle when you come to sell.

Graham

 

Thanks for the suggestions everyone! Looking forward to getting her into tip top shape and back on the road.

 

Use the live data scanner to check the long term fuel trims. High positive (over +10) indicate air leaks after the MAFS. A likely culprit is the plastic intake pipe, which develops cracks in the bellows.