My wife really wants a XK8 convertible. Looking at a 2000 with low miles, 26000, and I'm concerned about the tensioner issue. Not afraid of some maintenance but if I can avoid it I will. Is this model year affected or was the issue resolved by this model year?

 

The ENGINE NUMBER is the actual determining factor of when the revised timing components were installed at the factory.
The engines are always made before the car unless the engine was replaced at some time.(engine SN 0108130000 onward)
2001, August 13 MIDNIGHT was the first engine with Morse-Style primary chain and metal body tensioners.

It is possible that a previous owner took the steps to ensure a longer engine life with updated components?

 

And for convertibles you'll also have to worry about the top hydraulic hoses.

 

And don't forget the transmission A-drum. At 26K that's probably a long ways out, but if she's going to rack up a lot of miles its of concern and if its going to be primarily a weekender, then it'll likely be decades before it goes. Theoretically there are aftermarket valve body upgrades which help prevent it or at least delay it. I installed the Sonnax upgraded valve body about a decade ago and presume it bought me about 40K miles that I wouldn't have gotten otherwise.

 

Test drove this 2000 XK8. Very nice car, 27K actual miles, very clean, has a number of exterior finish blemishes. Looked for the engine number and did not find it where I've read it is supposed to be. Asking price is $12K. Everything works, new top, new battery, new fuel pump and cleaned tank, new tires. Very quiet on start up and tight rattle free drive. Comments??

 

pay an indie to have a pre-purchase inspection done. did you notice any flaking of the front upper shock mounts - originals are foam and disintegrate into powder - even with low mileage, at 23 yrs, I would expect them to be failing and in need of replacement (DIY is about $500; mechanic about $1500 - 2000). At 23 years and only 27K on the clock I would expect hoses/seals/rubber bits to be dry rotting from non-use. Would I still consider it - hell yeah but maybe offer 10K depending on pre-purchase inspection. Any pics?

 

Forgot...front shocks/struts are new. Owner mentioned that the upper mounts were dry rotted so he had them replaced.

 

 

cool - always a plus when they've taken care of things like that. I love my XK8 - bought with 91K on her and drove daily until things shut down but back to almost a daily driver now - closing in on 200K. Let us know what you decide

 

Really want an '02 or newer. I can handle replacing the tensioners but the Nikasil issue is frightening.

 

Since I could not find the engine number, can anything be determined from the pictured tag concerning the engine build date?

 

I wouldn't worry about the Nikasil engine. The problem originally was with the type of gasoline available. That isn't sold anymore so you should be fine. I have a 1997 with 97k miles and no worries.

 

67Camaro,

I just sent you a PM.

 

and I'm right on the edge of 150k with my 97 and use it pretty much daily. No issues with original nikasil engine. As i was told before, "if it was going to be an issue, it would have already been an issue."

 

One my 2000 XKRs has over 160K miles with original NIKASIL engine. (replacement MLS head gaskets)

Overheating is the most common reason for the NIKASIL engine destruction now that the high sulfur fuel is no longer available.

 

So, if I need not worry about the Nikasil issue, what about the transmission? Being that the car is a 2000 model and the engine number isn't in the normal location, the timing chain guides and tensioners probably are not the upgraded units? Additionally, if we pursue the 2002 model with the six speed transmission and upgraded engine components, what issues are common with these models?

 

The 2002 4.0 XK8 has a 5 speed ZF 5HP24. The 6 speed is fitted to the 4.2 liter model.

The gearbox does have the faulty forward drum problem.

The engine number is either near the thermostat tower on the early engines or on the left side of the engine block behind the left engine mount on the later engines.

 

Let's find something to worry about 😁

 

You are looking at a 23 year old Jag, not a Toyota. If you are afraid of maintenance work and parts that fails do to age, just forget it.
The 2000 XK8 you are looking at, was produced in the same month (maybe week) as my 2000 XKR. It has the Nikasil engine (that you dont have to worry about) and the 2. generation tensioners, that is plastic and has to be updated.
And then you should deal with the hydraulic hoses for the convertible top. After 20+ years they will probably start to leak (or burst) sooner or later.
I bought my 2000 XKR with 90000 miles in 2020, and has done the upper shock mounts, the timing chains and tensioners, and the hydraulic hoses. All by my self. For me that is a part of the hobby and interest for "older" cars.

 

Oh my goodness. I'm just trying to make a good choice and taking advantage of the knowledge depth of this forum. I absolutely know how old this car is and if I make the purchase I will remedy the issue myself. I own an '89 XJS V12 and have performed all the work done to it myself. I would just like to buy another Jaguar that might not have a long list of needs immediately after purchase. Congratulations on your success with your Jaguar!