XJ ( X351 ) 2009 - 2019

Smoke coming from my XJ

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 06-25-2023, 10:40 AM
Xjkenny's Avatar
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2023
Posts: 5
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Smoke coming from my XJ

So I have a 2013 Jaguar XJ I was driving one day and the car stalled and white smoke was coming from the engine. Does this mean I need a new engine or did the battery die I need help I need my car asap I start school soon.
 
  #2  
Old 06-25-2023, 11:11 AM
Baltobernie's Avatar
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2019
Posts: 356
Received 111 Likes on 82 Posts
Default

White smoke usually means coolant has entered the combustion chambers. A common cause is a break somewhere in the cylinder head gasket(s). Any competent garage can definitively pinpoint the problem. Steps include spark plug removal to see if any have been "steam cleaned", as well as a chemical test that detects exhaust gas in the coolant. The diagnosis is not expensive, but the repair is.
 
  #3  
Old 06-25-2023, 11:15 AM
Xjkenny's Avatar
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2023
Posts: 5
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default ?

How much would it be to fix cause when I took it to Jaguar they said I need a new engine.
 
  #4  
Old 06-25-2023, 12:43 PM
pdupler's Avatar
Veteran Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Fort Worth
Posts: 2,143
Received 1,126 Likes on 705 Posts
Default

JLR dealers don't do engine repair, they won't open it up, rather they just do major component replacement. You'll need to take it to an indy (independent Jaguar specialist). But yeah, if its a head gasket, you're looking at probably close to a year's in-state tuition. Install a replacement engine from a salvage yard (if you can find one) = two years.
 
The following users liked this post:
Xjkenny (06-25-2023)
  #5  
Old 06-25-2023, 12:55 PM
Xjkenny's Avatar
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2023
Posts: 5
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by pdupler
JLR dealers don't do engine repair, they won't open it up, rather they just do major component replacement. You'll need to take it to an indy (independent Jaguar specialist). But yeah, if its a head gasket, you're looking at probably close to a year's in-state tuition. Install a replacement engine from a salvage yard (if you can find one) = two years.
What if it’s not the head gasket and if it is do you recommend any websites that I can I get a engine from because when I took it to Jaguar they talking about 15,000 for it.
 
  #6  
Old 06-26-2023, 11:00 AM
clubairth1's Avatar
Veteran Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: home
Posts: 9,505
Received 2,456 Likes on 1,930 Posts
Default

Did you check the oil and coolant levels?
Was the car using any coolant?

Since we can't see the car it helps to put all the details. Engine, miles, any previous problems/repairs?
We are just guessing on the internet so any additional info can be a help!
.
.
.
 
  #7  
Old 06-26-2023, 12:04 PM
Xjkenny's Avatar
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2023
Posts: 5
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Xj

Originally Posted by clubairth1
Did you check the oil and coolant levels?
Was the car using any coolant?

Since we can't see the car it helps to put all the details. Engine, miles, any previous problems/repairs?
We are just guessing on the internet so any additional info can be a help!

.
.
.
When I lifted the hood there was no coolant
The engine is 3.0 supercharged about 75,000 miles and I just bought the car so I’m not aware of any previous problems that’s about it
 
  #8  
Old 06-26-2023, 07:51 PM
pdupler's Avatar
Veteran Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Fort Worth
Posts: 2,143
Received 1,126 Likes on 705 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Xjkenny
When I lifted the hood there was no coolant
The engine is 3.0 supercharged about 75,000 miles and
You mentioned in your first post about white smoke from the engine. I just assumed that the white smoke was coming from the exhaust at the back of the car. Coolant reservoir empty and white smoke from the tailpipes = blown headgasket (90% chance) or a cracked block (1% chance) or a cracked or warped cylinder head (4% chance). Regardless which, these symptoms mean a very expensive repair ahead.

However, if the white smoke was coming from under the hood and not from the tailpipes, then that means that the coolant simply escaped from somewhere. An external leak is generally far less expensive, maybe just a loose connection, fitting or cap. Heck, there's enough hoses and tubing to reach to the moon and halfway back. These engines are notorious for water pump failure and something we call the crossover pipes. You can search for and read about those issues.

Even if its something simple, a Jaguar dealership tho will not just fix an engine if they suspect its been overheated because they have to warranty their work. If they patched it back up, but you'd scored a cylinder wall, warped the head or something and it blew up three months from now, then they'd be afraid you'd come back and claim they did something wrong. They don't want to see you again for the same problem, so the surest thing for a dealership to do in your case is replace the whole engine. Even an indy may think the same way so you may need to shop around to find a mechanic who will work with you.

If you can fill it with distilled water, start it up cold and it idles smoothly without smoke then there is still hope. Just don't let it run long enough to overheat again.

Originally Posted by Xjkenny
I just bought the car so I’m not aware of any previous problems that’s about it
Education is expensive. I'm sorry you had to learn the hard way, but next time you buy a used car, particularly something like a Jaguar which is typically very expensive to repair, make sure to ask to see the full maintenance history documentation and arrange to have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic. If the seller can't produce the documentation or won't cooperate with an inspection, then walk away. There's always another one like it for sale somewhere or if not immediately, there will be before you know it.
 

Last edited by pdupler; 06-26-2023 at 07:55 PM.
  #9  
Old 06-26-2023, 08:29 PM
Xjkenny's Avatar
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2023
Posts: 5
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by pdupler
You mentioned in your first post about white smoke from the engine. I just assumed that the white smoke was coming from the exhaust at the back of the car. Coolant reservoir empty and white smoke from the tailpipes = blown headgasket (90% chance) or a cracked block (1% chance) or a cracked or warped cylinder head (4% chance). Regardless which, these symptoms mean a very expensive repair ahead.

However, if the white smoke was coming from under the hood and not from the tailpipes, then that means that the coolant simply escaped from somewhere. An external leak is generally far less expensive, maybe just a loose connection, fitting or cap. Heck, there's enough hoses and tubing to reach to the moon and halfway back. These engines are notorious for water pump failure and something we call the crossover pipes. You can search for and read about those issues.

Even if its something simple, a Jaguar dealership tho will not just fix an engine if they suspect its been overheated because they have to warranty their work. If they patched it back up, but you'd scored a cylinder wall, warped the head or something and it blew up three months from now, then they'd be afraid you'd come back and claim they did something wrong. They don't want to see you again for the same problem, so the surest thing for a dealership to do in your case is replace the whole engine. Even an indy may think the same way so you may need to shop around to find a mechanic who will work with you.

If you can fill it with distilled water, start it up cold and it idles smoothly without smoke then there is still hope. Just don't let it run long enough to overheat again.



Education is expensive. I'm sorry you had to learn the hard way, but next time you buy a used car, particularly something like a Jaguar which is typically very expensive to repair, make sure to ask to see the full maintenance history documentation and arrange to have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic. If the seller can't produce the documentation or won't cooperate with an inspection, then walk away. There's always another one like it for sale somewhere or if not immediately, there will be before you know it.
The smoke came from the hood and the car wouldn’t turn back on the dealer mechanic said that the engine blew since there was no coolant in the coolant reservoir a Indy coming over tomorrow to check it out. The jaguar dealership mechanic also said he hears it freespining and there is no pressure I don’t know how you can tell that off of hearing I thought if you hear a knocking noise then that means your engine is done
 
  #10  
Old 06-26-2023, 09:24 PM
dmchao's Avatar
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 578
Received 93 Likes on 80 Posts
Default

I'm guessing some components are warped. If it's free spinning without tension/compression? Yeah, something broke inside.

Sorry to hear that this happened to you. You probably need a new engine (based on what you have stated). Good thing you have a second opinion coming, but a used engine will be the most economical way to go. Any competent shop who will quote the engine replacement should also be able to source one for you. You can gauge prices by looking at listed price on a website like car-part.com
 
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Russell Searle
XJ ( X351 )
3
05-14-2023 11:25 AM
Paul Hutchinson
X-Type ( X400 )
2
11-25-2019 06:05 AM
yidal8
XJ ( X351 )
7
11-20-2016 08:19 AM
SkipM
XK / XKR ( X150 )
1
06-21-2011 01:49 PM
electraglide1600
XJ XJ8 / XJR ( X308 )
8
07-02-2009 11:08 AM

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


Quick Reply: Smoke coming from my XJ



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:20 AM.