While driving home from work my engine suddenly died. Here's what happened. I have a 2004 XJ8 with 44,000 miles. My office is about a mile from the highway. I turned the car on and drove to the highway. I got on the highway, maneuvered past some slow traffic and reached about 70MPH and was holding it when I heard a whoompf sound and the nose of the car dropped. It was a weird sound - not a thump or a bang, but more like the air rushing out of a tire. I thought I had a flat so I started driving to the shoulder. I hit the gas and the car barely responded. By the time I got to the shoulder the battery light came on and the engine was dead.

I tried to get it to start and the first two times it barely turned over as if the battery was very low. After a few tries it started to turn faster but only sputtered roughly and never held an idle.

It's now sitting at the dealer waiting an inspection.

I've searched around but can't find anyone similar to this.

Does anyone have an idea of what it could be?

I'd appreciate the group's insight.

 

for those of the car dropping.. maybe air shock let go.. air rushing out.. but for the engine cutting out and how there related together is interesting. ive had the shock thing happen on a car.

 

keep us posted

 

I think the nose dropped due to the engine loosing power. The suspension didn't feel any different. I didn't notice the tach until I pulled over but I suspect that the engine had completely shut down at that point.

As soon as I hear from the dealer, I add a new post.

 

Are the belts good and still on? Maybe the Cats. are plugged!

 

Bad fuel pump. Bad rem. Could be anything without seeing it. As Brother Genius said, keep us posted please.

 

good old rems lol .. had pile of them for bit.lol

 

Yeah they are pricey now cp cause FAQ says do door module and gems with it LOL.

 

Spoke with the dealer. His first question was asking if I have an extended warranty. Not a good sign.

He said they need to tear the engine down to make sure it is what they are thinking, but he believes the timing chain on the number 2 bank broke. And if it did, he said that isn't good.

I just bought the car three weeks ago and I did take out a Ford ESP extended warranty with it.

I hope this doesn't become a huge fight or hassle.

Has anyone else heard of this happening? It only has 44,000 miles on it.

 

never seen it on a newer style XJ.. those engines a pretty much bullet proof.. but anything is possible. the early ones had cylinder head bolts not tight... never seen it

 

We have had a couple of X350 with bad tensioners but no chain issues. Your ext warr should cover whatever it is if it is the chains.

 

Turns out the chain tensioner gave way.

They pulled the valve covers and found metal shavings everywhere. They were to pull the heads today to see how far the damage went and the technician believes the engine is gone and will need to be replaced. He is also 99% sure the extended warranty will cover the engine replacement.

Tomorrow I'll have the full details on the extent of the damage and if the warranty covers it. I'll try to get some pictures of it too while they have it opened up.

 

So your extended warranty just saved you about $16000.00

 

never seen that before.. well worth the warranty

 

Loke I said Genius, funny how we see different things. Climate maybe?
We had a few of the XJ with tensioner problems. Good $$$ in the diag for them.

 

What are the indicators that a tensioner is starting to fail on this engine? I didn't hear or feel a thing. No ticking, clunking, squeeling. It just seems like it went.

I've only owned it for three weeks and 850 miles. The maintenance records indicate that it had regular oil changes.

Are there any indicators?

 

Typically, you will get a rattle at start up. I have had complaints about them just letting go with no warning.

 

Finally got to see the engine torn apart. Looks like a cam bearing seized and cause all the problems. Engine had oil and was maintained by the dealer who has it now.

Some photos are below.

The adjuster for the warranty company comes out Monday or Tuesday. When the adjuster is there they will finally drop the oil pan and see what's in the oil. I spoke at length with the mechanic and at this point he said it is a 50/50 call to either rebuild the engine or drop in a new one. He said it is definitely rebuildable but would take a tremendous amount of time. Dropping a new one would be easier and faster. Cost is about the same. Hopefully the adjuster will agree to just drop a new on in.

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u...j/IMG_3806.jpg

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u...j/IMG_3808.jpg

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u...j/IMG_3811.jpg

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u...j/IMG_3805.jpg

 

OMG that brings back bad memories.....lol. Please don't post pics like that again....lol

 

My draw dropped when I walked in and saw just how much was disassembled in order to get it to this point. The entire exhaust - from the header to the tail pipes - was laying against the wall. One giant X. Parts everywhere. My car has its own corner of their shop.

Must say, so far I'm quite impressed with the dealer. Very helpful. Very patient with my questions.