Hello this is my first post, due to my 1997 XK8 overheating the other day, and a slight rattle from the timing chain when the car is revved, I am going to change the early parts that should have been upgraded. The engine is still the original, it has done 79,500mls had regular oil changes and various parts changed but no major services for a long time. Parts have started to arrive for the big job tomorrow. Let the fun begin.

 

Tony,

Good luck - odd idea of fun!

That'll keep you occupied over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Graham

 

Good luck Bones and remember we're here if you need us

Looking forward to your post.

 

Thanks it is nice to know help is at hand.

 

Bones, the link shows my fun and a couple of solutions to problems you might encounter.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ics-how-52653/

 

Thanks for that, helps to know the awkward nuts first. I spent 3hrs in the burning sun last weekend getting the rocker cover off my brothers porsche, had to modify a good spanner. I have hired the tools so hope all goes according to plan.

 

Hi I managed to get the water pump off, just wanted to see if this had caused the overheating as I expected it had, none of the plastic blades were left.

 

Hi so far I have removed the water pump totally shot, the cam covers, cams look very good as do the tensioners and chains but they will all be changed anyway. I hope this will all be done tomorrow I have a bad back and this job is killing me lol. I have lots of photos and will get round to putting them up next week.

 

If you put the car up on jack stands it makes it a lot easier on your back.
Vector

 

Hi front wheels on ramps.

 

Tony,

Appears you've captured all the bits of the pump impeller.

Engine is remarkably clean inside but looks like a bead of RTV on the top of the head as if someone's been there before you and not used new rubber gaskets.

Graham

 

Hi I have finished the upgrade of the timing chains tensioners, blades and water pump. The car started on the button and revved smoothly, but I think it is still in safety mode, not sure how i get it reset. I have not had a chance to drive it yet or replace the thermostat housing.

 

Tony

A good weekend's work.

Presumably the MIL was illuminated before you started? If so, you'll need to clear it.

Graham

 

Hi Graham

Yes the cars mil light came on and the low coolant warning as well as limp mode before I had a chance to stop.

 

I purchased a D900 code reader from EBay during the week, reset the codes today and the car is driving very nicely, I still have the top and bottom radiator hoses to change and the thermostat housing (I did put the new thermostat in) but want to drive the car for a week and see how it goes. The only thing that puzzles me at the moment is the heater does not seem to work, I will not get a chance to flush the system extensively till next weekend.

 

I helped a friend change his tensioners and there was no heat, turned out to be an air lock in the cooling system. After driving the system took more coolant and the heater worked.
RJ______________
97 XK8 86K mi

 

Did you fit the thermostat with the 'giggle pin' at the 12:00 o'clock position?



This allows any air to bleed. You can also speed up the process on a COLD engine by removing the Expansion Tank cap and repeatedly squeezing the top radiator hose.

Graham

 

Yes it was at the top, maybe a bit of water pump blade has gotten trapped in the heater pipe if that can happen.

 

You look to have a large collection of broken impeller bits in post #8 but it's always possible some small pieces have been circulated. Most likely place to block in this instance would be the heater pump or valve.



Graham

 

Hi I have now driven the car for a few days, going on a long journey tomorrow the heater does work at around 70 mph, so next week I will flush the system, I am off on Sunday to buy a 300zx TT as a new toy and project, so I will have the time to finish the Jag. New headlining, XKR grill not sure what to do with the number plate I think they spoil the look of the car, was thinking of a stick on one for the bumper, I have had the bunper de badged.