Jaguar XJ8
1998 Jaguar XJ8 4.0 Executive
Engine 3996CC/V8/OHC Top speed 150mph Fuel economy 22mpg
Work since last report
Assessed, welded, serviced.new MAF sensor It’s been four years since I owned a Jaguar. Too long. I’ve remedied it now though.
Reader, Colin Bassett, called me. He was selling his MOT failure XJ8 and needed a smaller car. I had just completed my 3000th mile in the Alfa 147
I’d put back on the road and decided I needed a change.
After spending three days and £500 getting the Alfa perfect (front suspension, exhaust and gearchange mechanism replaced), it was far too reliable.
Colin and I did the virtual handshake and, with a minor financial adjustment, we swapped cars and I trailered the big XJ to the workshop.
Big welding was required to the front suspension mounts (see pic) on both sides, along with a sill patch and front wing corner. After that it was time to sort out the massive overfuelling issue.
I had already suffered an XJ8 failing, the irretrievable flooding of the engine if it doesn’t start first time. On plugging into the diagnostic I worked out that it was either a mass airflow sensor or a coolant temperature sensor fault. I replaced both (parts are so cheap for XJ8S at the moment) and bingo. Eight cylinders firing in perfect harmony. New drop links, power steering fluid replaced, a full service and an MOT was booked. The Jag passed first time. Work is still required, but
I am very happy to be back in a Coventry smoker.