Hey everyone, I'm new to the XK8 forum but I've been active on the XJ-S and S1/S2/S3 XJ forums for over a decade. I'm in the midst of a nut and bolt restoration of an XJ-S and in the market for a fun Jaguar daily driver. A 1998 XK8 coupe has come up for sale locally with a few problems that gave me pause after looking it over today. It's Black over Biscuit interior (matching my XJ-S) with 160,000 miles and shows nicely with minimal clear coat failure on the bonnet.

CONS:

The car is in restricted power mode with CEL on. The codes are: P1396, P1111, and P1226. A preliminary google search suggested issues with the throttle body and B bank VVT solenoid. While I know Jag V12s like the back of my hand, I have no experience with this engine. I'd appreciate any input on this issue. The owner says the CEL has been intermittent for the past year or so. It idles smoothly and quietly but on the first few minutes of the test drive there was what sounded to me like valvetrain clatter on light/medium throttle, which disappeared as the engine warmed up. This is what worried me the most- possible related to the VVT solenoid?

The car also rode very harshly, with clunks and thumps coming from the rear. I can handle replacing some bushes, but where to start?

This XK8 is priced aggressively, especially for a coupe. Mechanical issues withstanding it seems well taken care of and the interior/exterior are a solid 7/10, with brand new Michelin tires and brakes. What I'd most like to know is if the issues with the engine sound like something relatively straightforward, or if I'm about to buy a huge headache. I don't mind putting a little time and money into this car, but I've already got a Jag project and am not looking for another. The owner says the plastic thermostat housing and timing chain guides have been replaced with the updated versions; the guides were the only weak spot I knew to ask about.

Well that's all the pertinent information I think. I told the owner I'd give him a call in the next couple days. Any thoughts/comments/concerns from the XK8 pro's here are much appreciated.

Louis

 

Other 4.0 XK-8 known areas of concern:

the transmission A drum is known to fail

fuel pump failure not uncommon

water pump failure not uncommon

shock mount failure not uncommon

cooling hose(s) failure not uncommon


There are others, but those are the ones that come to mind.

Z

PS just Google “known Jaguar XK8 issues”. That what I did before buying my 2002 XKR. It was a big help.

 

Louis,

Funny I was almost in your position once years ago. Was hell bent on buying an XJS, but hard to find back then.

Noticed an XK8 1998 For sale. Called an acquaintance, serious jaguar collector knowledgeable. Asked for comparison, I knew zero about XK8.
His response: "oh I've been thinking of buying one too. John the XK8 will do everything the XJS will and more!". I bought it.

Now your opportunity. Noise in rear as described could be rear bearings. $150 to do it yourself. Jack up wheel, 12 o'clock 6 o'clock any motion?

Re Messages: open hood, is vacuum hose connected to throttle body. The connection is visible. Need photo, ask. Message goes away after start cycle. It will prevent cruise control, goes into restricted mode as described as soon as you turn on cc and reach a hill or something where car trys to accelerate can't cause no vacuum connection. Long shot but happens to 98s often enough to mention.

If true tell us ill explain likely cause.

John

 

Check the heater is working as the electric pump can fail.
Lift the back seat and check for water ..side window leaks..goes under seat ..slops into front footwell ..corrosion.
Ask about transmission fluid changes ..no dipstick but if you buy it change it . low oil causes funny rhythmical grinding noise.
Check the age of the battery and get owner to charge it ..fault codes may go away.
Rear drive shafts are the top suspension link so jack and rock rear wheel 12 and 6....Universal joints wear.
Mine has a piston slap that sounds exactly like a tappet/valve clearance problem ..it too goes away when warm.
Get a mechanics stethoscope and take that along.
Check the function of the door locks and the window drop bad locks are a real *** pain.
I have changed everything on mine I cannot change at the side of the road on holiday in France..
fuel pump/all brake discs/starter/alternator/water pump/thermostat/eng temp sensor /oil pressure switch.
Its a magic drive .

 

Can change just the upper cam chain tensioners (2) which are the ones mostly likely to fail. However to do it right, both upper and lower tensioners (4 total) should be replaced along w/ the guides. When were the tensioners replaced (mileage)? Does the seller have proof? I guess it all depends on how much work you want to do. Both the first and second generation cars are fun to drive but have very different personalities. It really helps to have access to the expertise in this room. Great bunch of guys who could probably do major repairs blindfolded w/ complete success.