I bought a 1998 XKR Coupe just over 10 days ago. Running beautifully until yesterday, rattling noise in the engine,
checked the oil - only a slight bit at the end of the dip stick.
Not sure what to do. whether to fill it back up with oil and try it or have it towed miles to a garage? I live in Mid Wales

 

Sounds like your 25 year old oil cooler hoses blew out and you lost all the oil on the roadway.

Rattling noise = big trouble

don't drive the car another inch. Don't even try to start it.


Z

 

I'm assuming that you checked the oil when you went to view that car before you purchased it (or as soon as you got it home) and that there was no oil pressure light or warning on the dashboard during the 10 days you've been driving it?

Did the oil light or warning come on this time? If no warnings appeared then I'm hopeful that there is no terminal damage.

Richard

 

Yes have you ever checked the oil level before this?
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If it was a private sale then you are fuuuuked. If a trade sale then they have to fix it. I am suspicious that the oil warning light may have been disconnected to cover up the fact that it was faulty. If this is so even if its a private sale you can get your money back though you will have to go through the small claims court siting that the seller covered up a defect of which he was aware. oil switch is down the front by the oil filter

 

Jack the car up and look to see if there is an obvious oil leak - if there is take a photo and post on here for advice on how to fix it, then refill with oil when the leak is fixed. If you don't feel competent to do that, phone Mistermatic in Swansea and book the car in - get them to inspect the car at the same time to see if there are other nasties lurking under the shiny paintwork.

 

I think that the OP needs to address the points above before we can make much more progress. Also, please confirm that when you turn on the ignition without starting the engine, the oil warning light/s comes on. I think there may be a small light near the oil pressure gauge (if you have this) and another one in the dash display.

Richard

 

If its from a dealer ship it straight back to them and send the 14 day notice of pending legal action if they dont fix it.

 

If the oil is registering on the dipstick at all then you have oil. Rattling is quite possibly a secondary timing chain tensioner broken if they were never updated. Don't drive it until you've taken the cam covers off and looked at the secondary chain tensioners which are on the top of the engine. If that is the problem, it is a fairly easy fix at this stage.

 

Private or trade sale ...this is the UK and determines your rights.