Hi - I am just having a bad Jag day - I REALLY love this car and as it is my 3rd Jag - I have found that working on it myself is kinda fun and saves a ton.

Here is the story - 97 xk8 had it for 5 months presently has 48K on it. I dont know her history except that a new tranny was put in 9 months ago and it has a sticker on the door jam that says the computer was reflashed in 1998.

Issue 1 of 3 - My previous 99 xk8 was much quicker - same 4.0 engine. The 97 engine runs a tad rougher and gets about 20.5 mpg as the 99 got 19 mpg- I figured it was a computer thing and it was just tuned differently.

Issue 2 of 3 - Pretty much after I purchased it - I would hear an annoying rattle from the center of the engine - not from timing chain area.

Issue 3 of 3 - After the friggen hurricane I ran very low on gas (been lower before) put a gallon in it and started it for a minute and moved it - shut it off and next day it cranked but didnt start. The engine sounds like no compression - but I have never heard an xk8 crank so long without starting but my gut told me snapped timing chain.

I just popped off the valve covers and the chains look great and upon cranking it, she looks ok to me. see little video below

http://www.pcvisions1.com/jag/movo4654.mpg

I have pics of the tensioners as I have seen a million posts about replacing them. I just dont know if it was already done. Is there a way to tell now that I can see them?

I know I am getting spark, I am just at a loss what to do - tried pedal to floor trick - nada. tried starter fluid - nada. Oil in cycinder trick ssems desperate???

any ideas

Beaten up in NJ... thanks for help

 

sorry about video link - i guess youtube is best way to go.

 

- here is the engine cranking away -no timing chain issue - one of the videos is a humming sound coming from the fulepump i guess - I dont remember my 99 being so loud...

 

I would check the fuel filter first - when was it changed last? Then fuel pump...

 

I am so sorry - New here... The engine rattle would always be there on a cold start and go away after 10 to 15 seconds. This is why I thought I was having a timing chain issue....

 

Joe,

Fuel pump or cylinder wash would be my first thoughts.

Check this link from the HOW TO section for Start Up noises:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...es-ajv8-44252/

And this one, also in the HOW TO section on Non-Starting:

JagRepair.com - Jaguar Repair Information Resource

The HOW TO section is a good place to check for information on many of the common issues with the XK8/XKR.

Graham

 

Your Tensioners are the old Plastic Type. Replace them immediately to prevent Engine Failure.

The No-Start issue is probably due to the short running time the last time you started the Engine. Cylinders were washed down and compression was lost.

Remove the Spark Plugs and put a small amount of oil in each cylinder. Replace the Plugs and the Engine should Start.

 

Paul - thanks... I read the thread about your suggestion but I just couldn't believe it. i did a real short start and move the car, and the way it cranks is like an engine with the spark plugs out. 2 questions ... 1. how much oil and do I have to do each one or can I cheat. 2. The tensioner sure looks plastic, I suppose the replacements are obviously shiny metal?

 

I've never had to put oil in the cylinders but Several Tablespoons should do it. Too much oil could hydro-lock the Cylinder and cause damage.

From: http://jagrepair.com/NikasilNoStartCylinderWashing.htm

1. Have a fully charged battery
2. Remove all your spark plugs and introduce about a spoon full of engine oil to each cylinder and reinstall the plugs
3. Press the accelerator to the floor and hold it (this cuts off the fuel to the engine)
4. Try to start the car in about 15 to 20 seconds at a time keeping the accelerator to the floor and do this about two times. This will allow the oil to work its way around each cylinder
In order to prevent you from burning up your starter you need to only allow the starter to run for 15 to 20 seconds and allow it to cool down if your car takes more than several attempts to start.
5. At this time you will want to let up on the accelerator about half way and hold it and begin starting at about 15 to 20 second bursts. After several attempts the car will begin sputtering and a heck of a lot of smoke will be coming out of your exhaust and this will be normal until the oil in the cylinders are. Keep the car running by feathering the accelerator.


New Metal Bodied Tensioner and old Plastic Bodied unit: