Steven
You forgot about the water that collects in all of the exterior lights, and synchronizing the SU carbs that are located right above the exhaust manifold. You had to have a love affair with these cars also.

 

Come on, carbs are not Lucas issues. At least I don't think they are. All my direct Lucas experience was actually on Alfa Romeos. That's when I found I could get OEM Lucas parts through local Jag dealer for about 30 cents on the dollar compared to Alfa or aftermarket sources. Lots of part numbers directly cross over.

As far as water seals on some of the older ones, you do have to re-think the install procedure. A little plumbers putty or boddy seam putty (the kind that stays mushy forever) applied at the top of seams but not at the bottom so water is diverted but any that gets in has a way out and a few 1/16" weep holes go a long way. No sealant probably does not cut it. Seal the entire perimeter you won't get it all and just promote condensation and corrosion. Use silicone and you break the lens next time you service. A very tiny amount of soft putty shunts the water and is easily removed.

A little about the older beasties was learned from partners in the firm that I worked for. They had matching 1974 XKE convertibles and the engineer I trained with had a 1972 XJ6 they were all immaculate as the partners betwen them had about 65 or 70 vintage cars going back to about 1912.

Next dream car probably Series I or II FHC (will swap a hot little alfa for reasonable specimin).

I don't have multi-SU experience but pretty good with Webers. Synching carbs is usually a strategy that cross pollenates pretty good. Happy to help if any out there have issues.

Love...I had to drool from a distance until recently.

Steven (1avguy)

 

2001 XKR.... I've had it 3 years... needed a T-stat replaced and opted to change water pump (plastic) at the same time. Otherwise, no issues...(yet).

 

I never said SU carbs are a Lucas issue, they were a MG issue. I owned a body shop in the early 80's The tailights, parking lights, and license plate lights were like rain barrels. The people that bought these cars never thought of resealing there lights, and after two or three harsh midwestern winters they would develop leakage. Some of newer reproduction parts have held up better. I suspect it is because of better seal and rubber compounds they are using today.

 

Started this thread in Sept of 09. Today I can say NO issues. Just dirty as hell from driving int he snow here in Cincy. The back brake indicators are making noise, when front brakes were done they said I had about 6-8k left on the rear pads. I am about 2k from that est. Might be time to have them looked at.

 

2003 XK8 Conv 18 months Fuel pump ouch!!! only repair 62000

 

97 XK8 77000 No problems yet, I did have to use some lubricant on the roof latch when I first bought it Oct 2009,it wasn't closing properly but I would say that was routine maintence, and after bringing it home the 1st nite I had to let it run to see what I had .What I didn't know then, that I do know now, is prior to pushing the accelerator to the floor TURN YOUR RADIO OFF.As I approched 135 to 140 my radio went dead .I then had to replace my antenna $20 on ebay

 

Bravo Gus, your website is very informative. I'm leaking coolant from the hose underneath the bypass hose, so I will need to replace both hoses along with an aluminum thermostat housing kit.

 

Thank You! I hope to add to it this week. I need to finish the Coolant Tank and add my Transmission and Tensioner information.

 

I'll let you know as soon as I get it out of the shop.

 

Bought my 2001 XK8 in March 2009 with 29,000 miles. The only thing that I had to do to it was buy some new tires and have a pothole ding repaired on one wheel when I first bought it. I have put about 5,000 miles on it and have not had to have any mechanical repairs. (Hope I am not jinxing myself!)

 

It doesn't run, so i'll get back to you.

 

2001 XK8 Coupe, now with 64K (bought it 15 months ago with 52K)

New wheel bearing
New front upper bushes
New thermostat housing
New expansion tank
New coolant bleed pipe
New knock sensor
New idler belt pulley
ABS module repair
Tensioners replaced (precautionary)
Propshaft realignment
Driver's window realignment
Rust repair (rear wheelarches and driver's sill)
Numerous interior bulbs/relays

Currently, need new brake discs and one of my rear shock absorber bushes is gone. Oh, and my cassette player has acted up, too.

My repairs record has been excessive in my opinion, but it is a beautiful car and Jags are certainly alluring.

 

'97 XK8 that just turned over to 97,000 miles. Nothing required since last April except routine maintenance until last week when she needed a wheel bearing and a sway bar. Also went ahead with recommended 100K service since that is the next milestone.

I have owned this beauty since May 01 and she is still hands down the best car I have ever owned. Repair needs have truly been minimal when compared to other cars I have owned with comparable mileage.

 

97 XK8 Replaced ECM with rebuilt one at Scott Jaguar Charlotte, June 09 mileage 76,340. Prior to that, preventive maintenance replaced the upper timing chain tensioners & chain w/latest iteration Aug 07again Scott Jaguar, mileage 70,123. As an aside, I NEVER drive the car in the snow; we have had over 3 feet this winter, we had three inches last night and they are calling for more this weekend. I try to avoid driving it in the rain.

 

Picked up mine yesterday (2000 vert XK8) from the garage (not official one).

Squeaking on the front, turned out to be belt related. Quick and cheap change.

I had the thermostate changed this summer (small leak)... and that's all (touching wood like mad).

 

Oil change today!

 

blah! that doesn't count.

 

2003 XK8 Convertible 4 days - replaced hydraulic hoses to convertible top latch