I was driving 30 MPH, and stopped at a red light. The car started shaking, and went into restricted performance mode. No over heating problems, and does not go away if you let the car cool down. I looked under the hood and noticed what I think is a A/C coolant leak. It comes from the tip of my finger is touching in the picture below. I dont have the money to take it to the jaguar dealership and I do like to play mechanic. ANY help would be greatly appreciated. The codes are: P0302 P1313 P1316 P0302 P1316 P1111

 

Hi
That is the Thermostat tower cap part where you are pointing.

Looks like it is the plastic one that usually cracks and you should replace it with aftermarket aluminum one.
Welch Engineering (located in Ohio) sells it - AJ82217KIT for $65.95 plus $13.06 shipping (includes in this kit a $24.95 new thermostat - AJ86484 and all the Thermostat tower parts).

This the weblink to Welch's AJ82217KIT:
Welsh Enterprises - New Jaguar Parts, Used Jaguar Parts and Accessories - XK120 - XK140 - XK150 - E-Type - MK - XJ6 - XJ8 - XJ - XK8 - XK - XJS - S-Type - X-Type - XF

Look at these other forum threads about the thermostat tower:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...65-95-a-52760/

Look at post#78 for removal and reinstallation of the tower (has step by step instructions and photos):

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...eak-etc-85061/

Jim Lombardi

 

I am working on my silver s type, it has a vacuum leak. I will work on the XJL when I get home later today and post pictures of the broken thermostat. I will upload them, and let you know the results. Thank you very very much and wish me luck. This will really help my family out.

 

the 1998 XJ8, I have pulled the codes. It said: P0302 , P1313 , P1316 , P0302 , P1316 , P1111. The jaguar dealer wants 200+ dollars for the thermostat tower do you think replacing the tower will turn those codes off? it is in restrictive performance mode.

 

I believe it is only seeping, because the trail starts from the very top of the tower. Maybe just need to replace the ring and cap?

 

The plastic is liable to break when you try to remove the cap. It's probably cracked now.
If you are unable to replace the housing yourself, you are likely going to find the XK8 expensive to maintain, as a lot of little things are going to need replacing. This is not meant as an insult, just an observation based on what I have read on the forum the past few years.
A large number of the members here appear to be experienced back yard mechanics, and of course we have a number of pros willing to offer advice and instruction.

 

no offense taken, I don't claim to be a mechanic. I am the original owner of these two cars, and you pretty much have to become a mechanic to maintain them. I dont have thousands of dollars to spend at shops so I am just looking for advice from the best. If it saves me hundreds of dollars, and takes me twice as long then normal. Its worth it to me. I am very patient as well

 

Hi
P0302 indicates a misfire on cylinder number 2 - could be a bad ignition coil on cylinder 2 spark plug ignition coil wire.

Check out forum thread (only 4 postings in the thread):

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...l-codes-58909/

Look at post #2 in the following thread on Cylinder numbering for XJ8:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ylinder-97509/

Jim Lombardi

 

Once you have sorted the coil problem and are ready to change the thermostat housing you will find a DIY and lots of suggestions on this and the XK8 forum. Just do a search for 'thermostat housing'. It's good to know we have another member who does his own maintenance and repair.

 

im working on my stype ATM, will pick up a coil from autozone tonight and post pictures soon.

 

Try the following before you use the new ignition coil, then if it is not a bad coil issue - you can return the new coil without having a problem with the store:

To make sure it is an ignition coil issue, you should try swapping the cylinder 2 ignition coil with another existing coil (for example - the coil on cylinder 1) to see if the DTC fault changes from P0302 to P0301.

Jim Lombardi

 

trying that right now, will let you know as soon as i find out

 

first problem, I dont know where to start. Where are the coils? does anybody have a picture or how to guide? im searching google.

 

i think its under the cover. saw on a stype video

 

first bad thing, found oil in the coil area. How hard is it to change valve cover gaskets???

 

Not very difficult, but you need 1/4 drive socket set with universal. I believe you have the AJ26 engine and can not use the Ford gasket set. If you do a search for secondary tensioner replacement you will find instructions and video which include removing valve covers. Also a good time to see if the tensioners have been replaced with the metal ones.

 

Ok, thanks to you guys the official diagnosis of my 1998 jaguar XJ8 was a broken thermostat tower, and bad valve cover gaskets. I will post pictures when I get the parts. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

 

Your 1998 xj8 engine is AJ26 and here is the information you need to find the valve (cam) cover gaskets and spark plug bosses:

nca2515-2516ae Valve Cover Gasket Kit - MotorcarsLtd.com

Jim Lombardi

 

thank you! I will order them. Should I get the recommended parts as well? Is this something I can do? or should I have it taken to a local shop?

 

Also look at this ebay listing - Christophers auto parts - I purchased my timing chains/tensioners and cam gaskets plus their cam alignment rental tools in the past:

Jaguar V8 4 0L 1997 98 Valve Cover Gasket Kit | eBay


The motorcars.com other parts such as the valve cover isolators (28 pieces @ $1.71) probably do not have to be replaced - Our jaguar dealer did recommend changing them when our valve cover gaskets were leaking oil, but our extended service warrantee company said that it was not necessary and would not pay for it.

When we replace the valve cover more recently our indy mechanic did not replace the isolators and we are not experiencing any oil leaks.

Also here is the valve (cam) cover gaskets Jaguar instructions and illustrations thread:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...xtracts-66696/

Jim Lombardi