Hello-
I recently acquired a 2001 XJ8, 105K miles. It is a beautiful car - really nice condition inside and out, but it has (you guessed it) transmission troubles.
A little research tells me this is probably the usual A-drum failure. Most likely path forward is to swap in a used (tested, but not not rebuilt) transmission. My question to you all is: is there anything I can/should do to the used transmission to extend the service life? Is there a retro-fit pump or seal kit that solves the oil pressure issue that eventually leads to A-drum failures?

Thanks-

 

Remove the forward valve body, then inspect the bore of the main pressure valve. If it's good install the updated pressure valve.

http://www.jagrepair.com/images/Auto...%20ZF5HP24.pdf

http://www.thectsc.com/products/main...p30-81-32.html

 

I would expect any decent rebuild by a reputable shop would have included the updated valve as well as the other parts that have been modded over time.

If you go rebuilt, before you buy you should get confirmation in writing of what they have rebuilt (or warrant) & whose parts they used (ZF originals or aftermarket & if so from what supplier as there are lots of p** poor quality kits available for cheap (thinking of frictions, o-rings and seal kits esp)

 

I bought the car for $1.

I can buy a used trans (not reman) for under $800. That's probably the route I go. Reman is closer to $3K, and as nice as this car is, the value doesn't justify making that kind of investment in it.

 

Used trans. makes sense. Replace the pressure valve for about $30 and it should protect the A Drum.

 

You received much better repair quotes than I did. My 1998 XJ8 Vanden Plas has the A-Drum issues, as far as I can tell from all the reading I've done here. I've taken my Jaguar to two reputable repair facilities. Both quoted me right at $6,000.00 for a remanufactured trans, with warranty, including R&R and incidentals. I also called two of the closest Jaguar dealership/service centers. Both quoted me the same price. So, I'm working on doing a R&R myself, with help, after getting all the correct, needed parts. I love my Jaguar. But they're NOT getting to me like that.

firstchoice

 

6K?

Really? In the overpriced, overregulated, over crowded Northeast, an Ericcson-overhauled (factory authorized rebuilder) tranny is about 2200 at the trade price for the 5HP24 box to the garage with a core. Shouldn't be more than 600-700 to rip and replace.

6K is just unconscionable. To me, the car was worth the 3K investment, especially considering that the engine had the latest tensioners, decent interior, and just a minor bit of tin worm to excise from the shell.

 

You *could* just replace the A drum and valve. Very easy work.

 

dsnyder586, I agree. Like I said in my earlier post, I'm working on doing the repairs and R&R myself, with help, after getting all the correct, needed parts. There's a place in Springfield, MO called DIY that has car lifts, tools, and mechanics there to help you. If you want to just use their facilities, there's a rate for that. If you need help, a mechanics help, there's a rate for that, as well. The owner of DIY is trying to make it easier for people that don't have indoor facilities with a car lift, to be able to fix their car themselves. And he offer's to supply all the needed tools. Qualified mechanics "for rent" are a real plus too. (I'm 61yo with a bad back, so I'll need that extra help.) I already downloaded the factory digital manual to take with me for reference.

 

I agree! I got mine for $1000.00 because it had the slipping, (wouldn't engage), 1st-2nd gears of the trans. (A Drum) The car's in wonderful asthetic condition, other than a couple easy fix things. Albeit, the new paint job will be a cost, but worth it. If I can get the trans rebuilt myself, with help, by replacing all worn parts, I am hoping to get at least another 75,000 miles out of that trans., (hopefully). This trans lasted for 149,850 miles, so maybe even more?



If the trans works well, I'll have new paint put on and the drivers bucket seat has a worn area on it that needs repair. Have the carpet cleaned again and I can put the car in some car shows for fun. They get a lot of compliments, for sure. Makes me want to go jump in and drive.



Interior is like new, except for a little wear to the front seats, (scuffing, but nothing major).




Ultimately, my goal is to get it as close to show room condition, as possible, at least in looks. The car doesn't leak a single drop of any type of fluid or grease. I really enjoy driving that Jaguar XJ8 Landen Plas!

firstchoice

 

Figured I would close the loop here, since I started this thread. We decided, rather than to replace the transmission, we'd try to fix it. Opened it up, and discovered that we indeed had the usual A-drum failure. Ended up replacing the pressure control valve (with the upgraded design, including seals), and upgraded A-drum (beefier, supposed to be more durable). Once apart, we also discovered that the broken A-drum, allowed the a-drum clutch pack to slip, burning it up pretty good; so we did a new A-drum clutch pack too. It's all back together, and so far, is driving great

Now I just have to figure out what to do with the car. Sell it, or keep it in my fleet and sell something else; I already have too many cars...



Broken A-drum.





Looking a lot better after a bath.

 

Before it's bath, it had a VDP grill & chromed mirrors. After the bath, it appears to have an XJ8 Sport grill, & black mirrors. What the heck kinda soap did you use?

 

Different cars (different users). Mine's got a black interior too :-)