I find it interesting trying to determine what was done to a car by the previous owner(s) after purchasing.

The first thing I noticed in the engine bay was that the injector covers were not installed correctly and 2 tabs were broken. Obviously an amateur but I'll admit these were tricky to get on properly. The spark plugs have been changed to incorrect type so that may be why they were off.

The passenger strut tower was missing one bolt cover. The shock bushings are orange. I'm unsure if they are stock. The shocks are green I assume stock. Anyone know?




The radiator shroud/cover is gouged up pretty good...weird. I think either the hood was propped up higher there somehow which damaged it or possibly tool damage from changing the water pump. The pump is metal so I think that's a replacement but not sure. Anyone know?

 

I'd venture those upper mounts are original, and - if the other side shows no signs of crumbling and the shock isn't off-centre - are still serviceable. Original shocks would be green.

Water pump body is metal; if the vanes are also metal then it will have been replaced at some point. Early pumps had a tendency to shed the vanes, I'm not sure at what point they were updated.

Your radiator bottom hose is looking deflated. This could be either the hose needs replacing, or the valve in the coolant expansion tank cap is dud. These caps are available separately, and appear to have a limited life.

 

Thanks for the additional info.

The other shock mount looks the same so that's good...yay.

Good eye on the rad hose, I noticed that this morning as well after sitting overnight. The upper was collapsed as well but not as much. I haven't seen this before, only since I took the cap off to check coolant.

Always fun learning about a new vehicle. I've filled it with gas 3 times but just noticed the cool magnetic gas cap holder today. I was putting the cap on top of the pump and have lost a cap that way before so was a bit worried but no more!

 

My gas cap has a little strap (plastic) on it so you can't lose it. I'm surprised yours doesn't.

 

Perhaps only the 4.2 cars have the gas cap strap....

 

My car is a 4.2 and does not have the strap. It has the magnet, which I prefer.

 

I guess depending upon who was working that portion of the factory assembly line that day, the vehicle received either the strap or the magnet....

 

My XKR has both - the strap is broken and the magnet doesn't hold any more

 

^^ Now that's build quality at its finest....

 

Mine is a 4 and has the strap.