Is it just me...or do I smell Nikasil? Don't let them do ANY work, or ANY other diagnostics. They will rip you a new one to find a problem that they already know what it is. Do a little research on Nikasil and you'll see what I mean. Just go to yahoo and do a search with two words. Nikasil and Jaguar, and you'll see a plethora of problems associated with this issue. Sorry that you've been bitten, but I would start looking for another engine on ebay, and have a local shop drop it in. It shouldn't be too difficult, hence not too expensive. The engine will run you though, a pretty penny. Just make sure you don't get another nikasil bitten engine.

 

[sm=smiley5.gif] ron...my deepest condolences.

On the bright side, you finally joined a jag forum, and we'll be here to help you with your recovery. Feel free to rant too...the guys here a great listeners. I'd love to hear your day-to-day trials also, perhaps you can start an 'engine' replacement thread with lots of good advice for us. Just post your updates and where you are, pictures if you have them, and dare I say this... prices that you are paying for your repairs. Let's educate, I always say.

 

My '98 XK8 broke a timimg chain and fractured the cam,but fortunately didn't damage the valves. The bad news is that the XK8 has two timing chains, so while they were changing one out it only makes sence to change 'em both. The final bill came to $2,800. Hope you had better luck.