It's not they can't figure it out, they just haven't looked. We achieved goal one, get it running, I came out to look it over this morning and give instructions on how I wanted to proceed. I told them to look into it. Reading on here this morning, i went ahead and ordered the two tensioners and bolts from titus will ford, and I guess I will get felpro gaskets from rock auto. And get that job out of the way.

 

Is the platinum grey the same in 2001 as 99?

 

I suspect not. I do know 2002 is NOT the same as 1999.

 

Could still be the tensioners- just remove the valve covers and check the cam flats. You can put it back together for testing with the old gaskets, then replace the gaskets when they arrive. Then you have that possibility out of the way and can move on to the next item. (compression) Which you also want to know so you have an idea of the overall health of the beast.

Ultimately it may be a simple repair (vacuum, loose wire etc) but there are some things you need to do even if it runs like a peach when you buy it- (tensioner check/switch, compression check) so that you have peace of mind in what you are driving.

 

Why are they saying 4 hours labor to remove and put back valve covers?

 

?

They REALLY don't want to remove those valve covers do they?

It should take less than an hour, I don't know what the book value is. If they stop to have coffee. Or tea.

Maybe they are charging you the "I don't feel like doing that" rate. Ask if you can observe the process while they do it because you are interested in seeing what takes 4 hours.

One other QUICK question- they DID replace the fuel filter correct?

 

When I was yesterday I asked about the fuel filter, and they said the fuel was clean enough that they wheren't worried about it. When the tank was out they didn't even find enough sludge to send it out to be boiled like they thought they where going to have to do.

Now before everyone gets out the axes and torches, look at their website. Kauth & Mayeur This isn't a hokey operation, so I do believe they know what they are doing to an extent. However, I was taught to not believe everything you hear/told, and fact check everything against multiple sources, so that's what I do by posting here. Thanks Everyone.

 

How would they know if the fuel filter has EVER been changed? That's something I automatically do on a used car.
As to valve covers, if you clean them and the cylinder head mating surface, then replace the gaskets, the time adds up.

 

They said it wasn't the easiest thing to get to too, but I suspect I can replace it on my own. (fuel filter)

 

OMG.

I replaced the fuel filter in my car ON A WHIM in my driveway with a jack, jackstand and two wrenches in less than 5 minutes. It was so easy I sent my daughter out to get one for her Jag and replaced it as well.

"The fuel was clean enough" ROFLMAO

It is clean BECAUSE there is a filter. Where does the dirt go when it is cleaned from the fuel..... DING! the filter.

Did they seriously say that or are you just pulling our leg now?

No axes and torches here, but methinks they are presenting what are relatively simple repairs as very difficult in order to maximize wallet extraction.

I just also realized that the tank was out...which gave them easy, direct access to replace the $20 fuel filter while they were in there.

I do not think these folks are incompetent in any way- I am more inclined to think that they know EXACTLY what they are doing, and are just maximizing this opportunity, which is certainly within their right as a business.

 

I think I get it now- this is a red carpet establishment, providing a full service experience to it's clients.

As opposed to The guy with the shop who does good work at a fair price.

There will be a significant price difference between the two. You can still direct their efforts in order to eliminate time and part cost waste, and As stated above, some things you should just DO when you get a used car- Fuel filter, change oil, check known common mechanical issues..

 

I assume the "filter" being referenced is the inlet screen to the pumps. That is obviously the only "fuel filter" someone could know was clean without x-ray vision.
And, Unseenthings, while there is a lot of grandstanding and dire predictions on here, the fact is that you have some of the classic forewarning of impending chain disaster, which many folks are not lucky enough to get, and you are continuing to run the motor. The fact is, the chain may actually not be about to jump, but if it does, the result might as well be a total loss on the engine. And if you are paying others to wrench your car, that will be a total loss on the car. Take heed!

 

Any updates? Inquiring minds want to know.

 

Just because they 'tune Porsches for athletes' doesn't mean they know how to work on a Jaguar. To give yourself peace of mind, find another shop that's more focused on your situation than on 'ego-grooming' by the owner.

 

Any updates? I hope we were not too harsh on ya.

 

Must have scared the guy off ... or else he doesn't like to hear "I told you so". We are all rooting for you, Unseenthings !

 

Ok, so I guess I won't have my Jag for xmas
There was a noisy idler/tensioner on the front they didn't like, and I guess there are a couple of new part numbers there, so all of that was replaced and rebelted. Tensioners installed, exhaust cam was off a few sprokets, they said that was what was causing the bad idle. Now that they have it all back together, they can't get the left valve cover to seal in the back (seems to be common problem) Enough that they are setting oil on fire on the exhaust manifold. Due to minor cracking around the mounting points, they are looking to replace the valve cover.
Thanks everyone for the support.

 

Thanks for the update- let us know how it is running when they get it fixed!!

 

Can't image they are going to be cheap, can anyone give me feedback on say this?
Jaguar X308 XJR XKR Engine Valve Cover XW93 6P051 BD XW936P051BD N Hole Left XJ8 | eBay

 

That one looks good- price is right with free shipping.