My 99 came with extensive files of all maintenance from the original owner. In September 2009 the Sacramento Jaguar dealership replaced the engine @ 51,075 miles.

The dealers workorder says a "used" engine was provided, and most all of the attached components were swapped over from the original. Several parts were replaced with new (like the water pump), gaskets, etc.

I have read somewhere that Jaguar had an active replacement program on the 4.0 engines, but I cannot find any details.

My theory is Jaguar had someone rebuilding engines to support the replacement program. If so, how extensive were the rebuilds? Timing chain tensioners?, cylinder liners, etc.

The car now has 88,000 miles, and runs great, but I would sure like to know more. Sure would appreciate some history.

 

When I worked at the dealer there were several options on engine replacement depending upon warranty status.

Cars in new car warranty or CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) automatically got Jaguar re-man engines. (they were about $9300.00 retail)

The September 2009 and 51,075 miles indicate a car WAAAAAY out of warranty by date and mileage.
I have seen cars that were 4 years old with 51,000 miles get a 'Good-Will' Jaguar replacement engine because of the closeness of the warranty mileage.

Extended aftermarket warranties decided what they were willing to pay and I NEVER saw a company opt for a Jaguar Re-Man.
They would find a LKQ salvage yard engine and have it delivered to the workshop.

The Customer Pay is another decision made by whomever was paying the bill. Usually a salvage yard engine for $1500 or less.

Unless the engine has a Jaguar Re-Man tag on it, (aluminum and green date stamped) the engine installed was likely a good-used engine from a salvage yard.

 

Unfortunately Sac Jag didn't keep the service histories on old cars. I wanted to get history on my 2001. They had year, color, MSRP and options but no service history. Was told that old paper records weren't kept in the switch to digital. As I'm sure other members have found, dealer's willingness to work on XK8's disappeared as the mechanics that knew the cars left. Personally I'd want to know if the tensioners were replaced. You could DIY or have someone check to see what's in there. Good luck.

 

Hi there, the original linings were Nikasil in the AJV8 4.0 but the ones that failed were replaced under warranty with steel linings, so I would doubt if it is a replacement engine. It is likely to be a Nikasil and if it is running good now the liners should be fine. Nikasil was used in racing cars and high end Jags and BMW M series and AMG's for their better heat dissipation qualities but were destroyed by high sulphur levels of cheaper petrol in the 90's. The timing chains used plastic tensioners and would go after 60k or so. I have a 99 R with the original Nikasil and runs fine at 100k. You just need to check if the timing chains and auxiliary belts have been replaced with the metal tensioners, get a compression test done and then whether it is Nikasil or Steel, all should be OK.

Just MVHO 👍

 

Sorry, I just read your post again, if Jaguar replaced the engine under warranty it will be a steel lined one due to Nikasil failure. Also check that the front bushes have been done ..... need to be replaced after 60 to 70k

 

Thank each of you for your insight. While the work was done by the Jaguar dealership, it was paid for by an aftermarket warranty (Primus) for $3,916. Mystery now is do I have a used engine, or one which was rebuilt?
Tensioners have been replaced. I have had front shock mounts, alternator, thermostat, and fuel pump replaced in the year I have owned it.

 

The Jaguar re-man engine from the parts dept at that time would have been around $9,300.00.
Labor and some additional parts would increase the bill.

You have a 'good-used' engine from a salvage yard!

 

Whatever you find out you are not going to get any money from anyone re this engine ..just test and examine and live with it .

 

Agreed Piston 👍