1998 Jaguar XJ8 from North America - Comments

I own a 1998 XJ8L with 80,000K original miles on it. I write this for all potential owners to be very aware of some real known issues with this car. Spend the extra money to get a 2003 or higher model. The 1998 to 2002 models have a few serious, one deadly, issue that Jaguar knows about, and passed on to the new owner TaTa from India.

The niksil liner failure in the cylinder walls can be deadly. What happens is that when the liner degrades, usually begins around 40K miles; oil blows past the rings and creates a positive pressure in the engine. This positive blow-by, blows oil into the air intake hose, and into the throttle valve assembly. When enough oil gets gummed up in that throttle body, the butterfly sticks and the car shuts down from a lack of oxygen through the throttlebody. This WILL shut your car down in the middle of the interstate at 70 mph. Happens all the time.

Also, the timing chain rails and tensioners are plastic crap. They will break, and your engine will have the valves crash into the pistons.

I love my beautiful Jag. I am putting a reliable Chevy engine in it.

I too have a beautiful 1998 XJ8 and was enjoying it very much with 83,000 miles on it.

Now it's under a cover and has been there for about 4 months. I had no knowledge of the plastic tensioners until after it blew. Now I'm looking for a replacement engine with the upgrade to the steel tensioners. Just a word of caution to other owners... never start the engine and shut off right away. Let it run for at least 35-40 minutes before shutting down. If you do not, then starting it up again after a short run span will cause the tensioners to go (especially in cold weather)... and as stated in other posts, the engine is seriously done.

Anyone know of a used engine for sale with the Gen 3 upgrade, I would appreciate knowing. Email me at rskeen@nctc.com

I bought a 98 XJ8 in July with 97,000 miles. Very clean and beautiful condition. No leaks, ran great. Only one previous owner. Car ran great, parked it on Thanksgiving and didn't drive for the 4 day weekend. Got in it on Monday and it wouldn't turn over. Battery dead and couldn't recharge. Bought a new one and it still wouldn't turn over. Took it to my local mechanic and guess what? Zero compression all cylinders on left bank. Diagnosis - needs a new engine. (only 99,000 miles now) New and used engine costs more than the car 'was' worth. Now have to junk it or part it out. Anyone who is lucky enough to have a 98 XJ8 without any current issues better sell it immediately before you get hosed. Might want to play the lottery too since you're obviously charmed.