Drove the car to NS from Ontario without a hitch. (180,000K on it)
Had the cat out for a drive Sunday and noticed a surging in the power with the accelerator in same position. Got the car home (20 miles) and there is a small but noticeable miss at idle.Engine light is on.
Borrowed a scan tool and have p0303,p0304,p1316,p1638 coming up. Car had been outside for a torrential downpour previous to the problem.
The coil cover is missing a couple of screws at the corners on that side(under the bonnet louver top front, and back lower) Any possibility of moisture? Plan is to Check for vacuum leaks, buy a couple of plugs, and swap them and the coils in an organized fashion this weekend, as daylight is pretty much gone after supper.
I was hoping to change plugs,filters in an organized fashion this winter, but the car not running properly is driving me crazy. Firewood,yard work and leaves are getting in the way....
Any other suggestions?

 

Follow your clues first before replacing anything. On an XKR the bonnet louvers let in water on the engine, so remove the suspect coil cover and coils, and check for moisture. If you find it, use compressed air to blow moisture out of the plug wells and and the coil boots, clear the codes and see if they return or not.

 

At worst it's likely only the coil(s) need changing. Plugs etc should be fine (just change them when due).

 

Left work early today and pulled coil cover.....All four coil pack holes had water in them. Blew out, dried, cleared codes, purrs like a kitten! I guess inside storage all the time is a must!

But I just like looking at her in the driveway......Thanks for the help

 

It should be fine in the rain if the coil covers are properly fastened and the seals are intact.

 

Just curious, did you buy the red one with the tan top?

 

Yes JagRag,

Saw it on kijiji, it disappeared and I saw it again on AutoTrader a month later, didn't know a thing about XK8's so I bought the book on buying them. Finally got a hold of the guy and flew up to see the car, bought it and drove it home. So far so good...(fingers crossed,,,) This winter I plan on going over the car. D seat fixed, drivers rear regulator left to do, plus fluids,plugs.Do you know the history on the car?

 

Hi, no I do not know the history, but I was considering buying it myself.


Were there any maintenance records with the car? If you cannot verify if the plastic chain tensioners have been replaced/upgraded to the metal ones, I would recommend checking into that with a visual verification. Although at that mileage I would think they would have already either been replaced or the engine was replaced.
Good that you got the driver's seat working. How is the paint on it? The owner had stated it need some attention as the clear-coat was peeling in places.
Other than the common issues such as the power top hoses possibly starting to leak, the rear wheel bearings eventually giving out, and the brake-switch under the pedal needing replacement you should be good to go. Oh, and how does the transmission shift? Especially from 1st to 2nd (mostly when not coming to a complete stop, such as rolling through a stop sign or rolling right turns on a red) and downshifting from 2nd to 1st?
Enjoy it for what it is and drive it like you stole it, 'cause at the owners asking price you did!

 

Maintenance records-all I have is the "Passport to Service" stamped to 2004 (60 months) from Robert Motors on Dundas St. Nothing after that, but the car has changed hands 5 times.
Tensioners, I am checking this winter, but I agree with you, something was done....
Clear coat is peeling on passengers side on top of quarterpanel (where you would set a beer) local guy will fix for 500$ max this winter.
Transmission is excellent! Great transmission shop in Annapolis valley (Rood's) Probably get the fluid changed there...
Didn't know about the brake switch, but will check it out. Thanks
Do you put a trickle charger on yours in the winter?

 

No need to check the brake switch...when it goes you will know it by the messages displayed on the dash. You can research it in the forum, as it's quite common. I suspect yours has already been changed at least once at your mileage.
No trickle for my car, it drives all year long. lol


May you have many years and many miles of trouble free driving! Enjoy it.