In the glorious weather the UK currently has I took leave onFriday and with the top down took myself and the wife on a lovely drive toWhitby.

I have the excellent Jagwrangler remote top and short of rain or sub zero temperatures I always drive with the top down.

On the way back we stopped at a York retail outlet and this is where it all started to go wrong.

As I reversed out the car parking space I noted a small run of green fluid on the rear view mirror, my blood ran cold "surly not the green shower" closer investigation indicated a small drip forming overhead, so yes it is the greenshower, but just a drip so far.

So after spending Friday evening reading up on it, no big deal, I’ll just feel an idiot driving around in this weather with the top up for a couple of weeks until I get the parts.

But on Saturday I was manovering in a car park and I heard what sounded like a diesel engine, but no one else was around, so after parking up I got out of the car, with the engine running and was horrified to hear the diesel sound emanating from my car.

I have replaced all the timing chains, tensioners and guides so I know it’s not the death rattle.

A metal bar held to the ear appears to indicate the left bank VVT is the culprit.

They say bad things come in three's, so I’m hoping the subsequent terrible round of golf was the 3rd and not something else on the jag.

 

Maybe Dennis's manual latch system would help until you get it fixed?

XK8 Convertible Top, Manual Latch Conversion

 

Thanks for the comment.

 

Well that just s**ks.....

 

I took the latch mecanisum apart today and the good news is the hoses are fine, the leek is a tiny tiny weep from the piston itself. Much easier to fix.

Visiting my local independant jag shop tomorrow to check the engine noise,

 

Good news! Hopefully you will get some more from the mechanic.

 

Fingers crossed for you Smoggy.

 

I've only had two breakdowns in a Jaguar and both times my wife was in the car. I'm beginning to see a pattern developing here.

Good news on the leak. Hope all goes well at the Indy.

Graham

 

I had convinced myself the front end noise was a crankshaft bearing or big end

But it was only an idler pully bearing.

£30 to fit a used one from an engine my indy was breaking and the engine front end pullys are back to being quiter than a church mouse under a bench full of cats!

Happy OOOOHHH yes!

 

Enjoy the moment. It's not often we get away that lightly with a Jaguar.

Graham