XJ8 Commentary

Summary:

Anything to do with the big Cat

XJ8 Commentary

BobJWoolsey 13 May 2011 19:28

Gearbox playing up slightly

Right as rain for most of the time, but just occasionally pulling off after almost stopping, or only stopping for a moment, there's a clunk as gear is engaged and the car then moves off

Also when selecting reverse, it's a bit reluctant to engage, and when power is supplied, gear is selected with a clonk and the car moves off

All other times the gearbox works flawlessly, with barely any indication that gear changes are actually happening

Will replace the gearbox oil filter and auto transmission fluid soon - searches on the web suggest that should sort it out

Watch this space

Bob Woolsey (guest) 18 May 2011 22:18

Replaced the front anti-roll bar drop links this evening - what a difference !

That annoying rattle front the front end has gone

One link had a worn out top joint, the other a worn out bottom joint

Got them for around £16 each from Parkers, much cheaper than around £28 each from BritishParts, JustJags or SNG Barrats

Bob Woolsey (guest) 04 Jun 2011 21:55

Gearbox auto transmission fluid and filter changed today

Took a few hours to complete, but only because I was groveling around beneath the car on ramps

Fluid that came out was pretty dark - but no sign of metal bits in the sump, and no sign of burnt smell in the fluid - so that's good

Immediate impression is better smoother changes - only managed to get 4 liters in the first time round

Plan to drain and flush with fresh fluid in a week or two - to flush out some more muck

Well worth the effort for better changes - and hopefully will give a few more years trouble-free motoring from the old girl

Bob Woolsey (guest) 12 Jun 2011 10:02

Flushed the gearboc through again with fresh ATF

Can't say it's any better - I'm beginning to suspect the gearbox is worn out!

Bob Woolsey (guest) 17 Jun 2011 11:31

Finally took the motor to MDM Jaguar Services at Coalville

http://www.mdm-jaguars.co.uk/

Mark topped up the oil - I was supposed to check the level with the engine running! 1.5 liters short!! - also took off the sump pan and replaced a solenoid valve

Seems to be working OK going forward, but Mark tells me there is still a delay when selecting reverse - he's going to look at that for me when we go on holiday in August

Only charged me for the parts used - no labour because as he said, he's not fixed it yet!

Soooo glad it doesn't need a new gearbox

Moral of the story! - don't meddle with your Jaguar, just take it straight to the people who know what they're doing :-)

And I can't recommend MDM Jaguar Services at Coalville highly enough - thanks Mark

Re: XJ8 Commentary

BobJWoolsey 19 Jul 2011 19:50

Changed the oil and filter the other day - in between the rain showers !

Stuff that came out was pretty filthy - nice clean oil has got to be an improvement !

Got the oil and filter from Shepshed Auto Spares (http://www.shepshedautospares.co.uk/) - excellent price, highly recommended

Passed its MOT today with flying colours

Well almost :-)

Slight wear on the front bottom ball joints - got a year to get them fixed - unless the tyres start wearing oddly

Last edited on 19 Jul 2011 19:53 by BobJWoolsey Show more