Jaguar 2004, XK8: Make a Parts List, Make some $$

Venice CA

Description

So, I'm NOT an experienced mechanic - so, please explain your answer. I have an old 2004 Jaguar XK8, convertible; a car, like many, with its own little particularities. The engine seems to run perfectly and has very good performance. But, it blows mostly bluish smoke (on start and after warm, usually on acceleration), but there is also a sweet smell and has more of a brown color. It guzzles oil, and only sips anti-freeze. Finally, I've been hearing for a while, a high pitched sound from the engine compartment. A few days ago, steam started blowing from the passenger side of under the hood; clearly coolant. After refiling w/ water, I was able to travel a mile or so, stopping a couple of times before the engine reached mid-temperature. The car feels ever bit and turn of every road - very uncomfortable. So, breaking this down into 4 systems, Shocks, Engine, Vacuum & Cooling, your job is simply to write me up a parts list of what you would recommend changing, even if it may not be part of problem. Why? because if me or my mechanic is down there anyway, or, took off the gizmo to get to the whatchyamacallit, then while you're down there, you may as well change the ?????. However, here are the two assumptions: 1) Don't add any significant labor time to change a part, if not largely made easier by a necessary fix, and 2) we're going to ASSUME the HEAD GASKET is bad, but we ARE NOT fixing that - or getting near that level of labor, or any related parts. So, your job is to ADD PART #'s, and ADD PARTS, to the following list: Shocks: New struts, upper ball bushings, sway bar, Engine: Valve seal cover, cam seals, oil, filter Vaccumm: all accessible vaccuum lines, PCV, Coolant: Radiator return hose, new coolant To the winner: $35 - I'll try to take this down in a timely way - feel free to write me first to confirm the list is still needed. (The car has high mileage; plugs and coils were already done). (Winner means the first one that gives me a complete list, with part #'s and (specific store, ideally in stock) and part names and why, if the reasoning is not obvious.) Depending on your completeness, i may or may not send you others (that I think are better) for your opinion as to why they are wrong. One washer might determine the winner - know your Jags and have fun. (I figure its at least as fun as a good as a cross word puzzle while taking a sh*t - and you don't paid for that!) Again - $$ only paid to ONE person - it probably won't be you, so, don't do this if you're gonna be unhappy.