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Hi all,
I just adopted an abandoned Jag, so I'll be asking a lot of questions. This is my first foray into Jaguars, but I'm not a rookie with maintenance and major repairs. Here's the details of my new baby:
2000 XJ8 L, Titanium Mica with Oatmeal interior. 101k miles
The PO parked in in front of his office 5-1/2 years ago after it developed a problem which he was unable to describe. I'm assuming it's the timing chains, and after they found out from the dealer what it would cost to fix it they decided it wasn't worth it so there it sat.
So far, I've towed her home, put in a fresh battery, and run a compression test. Drivers-side bank all came in around 80 psi -- not great, but I figure the rings are seized up from sitting so long. Passenger side was a different story.... #1, 0 psi; #2 & #3, 120 psi; #4, 0 psi...... The motor turned over OK with all the plugs in it, and even half-tried to start on 5-year-old skunky gas. I'm guessing at this point that Bank 1 timing chain skipped a tooth, holding valves open enough to prevent compression -- sound about right?
At this point, I've ordered a factory service manual, the cam locking tools, and am preparing to tear into it. I figure by the time I get deep enough to do the timing chains, pulling the heads is the next logical step. Besides, I need to know what's going on in there, to know if the valves are OK and the bores look good.
Other than that, the car is in remarkable condition for its age and the fact it sat outside for almost 6 years. It did suffer a dent in the drivers door, which also broke the door mirror mount. The dent can be worked out with paintless dent repair, and I already got a mirror so no problem. Beyond that, a thorough detail inside and out will bring it back to like-new appearance.
So like I said, I'm sure I'll have questions! I've already found the excellent timing chain procedure write-up by Black Onyx, which will come to great use as soon as my cam tools arrive.
Thanks!
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07-14-2018, 10:49 AM
New guy, new-to-me XJ8
