Re: Funny, I have not read of any issues (archive)

Digi, it's been discussed on jag-lovers.org. Also, Jaguar spells it "Nikasil", although I don't know if that will make any difference in a web Search. I've also seen it spelled "Nikisil". It's entirely possible that people who are knowledgeable of the BMW problems are jumping to conclusions that the same problems can or will happen with Jaguar's engine, but read on...

Here's a quote, used without permission, from jag-lovers:
"However, the car I'm going to buy (96, 46k miles) had a new engine 2000 miles ago. Apparently, replaced by Jaguar because of problems with the Nikasil liner in an aluminium block, and the new engine has iron liners instead. The seller is an independent Jag specialist with a good reputation."

Another quote:
"What happens is the Nikisil coating breaks down for some reason and the cylinders can't be rebored. Jaguar stopped using the Nikisil sleeves in model year 2000 I believe. They went back to using a conventional steel sleeve for the cylinder bore, hence the replaced engine."

Here's another quote:
"His engine had done 50K Miles and the dealers said that they replace engines up to 100K Miles under warranty."

Another quote:
"I have heard that Jaguar will replace the engines that are affected up to 100,000 miles, but I would check to be sure."

Another quote:
"I'm not sure where to go from here because I understand that Jaguar only give new engines on the basis of the blow-by test."

Granted these are all quotes from someone other than myself, but I plan to find out the facts on my own as I mentioned when I take my car in to the dealer. That's why I tend to say things like "My understanding is" or "what I've heard is" without trying to sound like a subject expert, because certainly I'm not a subject expert. An example is my posting on this forum on February 25.

As for why it hasn't come up on this board before, well in all honesty there's a very small group of regular posters on this board and it's probably not a fair sampling of Jaguar owners. I don't recognize any jag-lovers posters as regular contributors to xk8.net.

I'll report exactly what I find out from my dealer. There are additional problems with the timing chain tensioners, at a minimum creating a rattling sound on cold engine startup. There's a TSB out on it, TSB 303-30. Alldatadiy.com is a great source for recalls and TSBs.

Finally, I never said there was a rampant problem with the nikasil coating, just a problem. I agree that the wheel bearing/wheel balance issue is more prolific, however as the owner of a car nearing the end of it's extended warranty, the engine issue is of more immediate interest to me as it comes with a much greater cost. Coventry West tells me that a rebuild engine from Jaguar is $5400, and although that's a lot less than I would have expected, I'd still rather not have to deal with it.

Best regards,
Jeff

Can you point me to anyone on a board or any article or any report which indicates any problems with Nikosil in Jaguar engines since 1997? It seems front wheel bearings are a much bigger failure issue. I have seached the internet (GOOGLE) for Nikosil and Jaguar, and only the BMW problems before 1995 are returned. I would like some proof of any problems, because I am amazed there is not something on some board or in any magazine or any internet link on this issue. I did see you same comments on the earlier posts on this board, but no reported problems from any posters. You'd think someone would come forward.

Follow Ups:

Thanks. I'll research more and try spelling chg:) Digi 17:54 6/01/2002 (0)

[ Follow Ups ] [ XK8 Message Board ] [ Msg. Board FAQ ]

Questions, comments, or problems, please visit the Roadfly help desk.