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xk8, Am I nuts

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trrdster2000

trrdster2000

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Hi all, I've been a Triumph man for years with a few MG's in the mix, now looking at a '97 XK8 with the ABS light and traction control fault on. How much trouble am I in??? I understand the module can be rebuilt, good idea or not? Car has 80,000 miles and I don't know the service record. I'm not worried about doing the work to make it right. Are the belts a big issue?

Thanks, Wayne
 
The timing chain tensioners have been an issue in the past, but if it has 80K on it those have been replaced long ago.
 
Still, without WRITTEN proof, budget for a complete set of chains and tensioners, and guide rails. They are on something like the 5th generation of upper tensioners, and finally they are made of metal. Fixing the ABS/Trac module is simple, you can do it yourself, w/o even opening the hydraulic system. Otherwise, great cars., with all the usual "used car" caveats. Look for crash damage and so on.
 
Thanks all for the input. I go look at it tomorrow, after I fix a clutch master on a Spitfire the guy spent wayyy too much on, but someboy has to help him.

Jesse, on fixing the ABS/Trac, is there a place that gives instructions on this forum or do I need to go the the Jag Club. I feel sure it's been discussed. I would think that a recall would have happened, so many have this problem.

Thanks again, Wayne
 
Remove the circuit board, and resolder the 2 connections that go to the motor. It will take longer to get the board out than to fix it. I have done several now with a 100% success rate.(Note*** secret trade secret repair!!)
 
Thanks, Jesse, I will keep it in mind for the next one I go and see. This one was not anything like the (4) four cropped pictures. Driver seat worn out, large dent from drivers door to rear bumper, with bondo showing from a previous repair. Mirrors that looked to have lost the battle with a hedge row, stitching missing on most wear spots on the console, and a color I could only call a army green with shine, not my cup of tea, but there must have been someone who liked it.
I was not going to buy it at any price, knowing about the ABS/TRAC problem and no records and I think not being able to pass inspection in NC with a problem showing in the brake section, (I may be wrong about that). I didn't even take it for a ride, I felt sorry for the car, that no one would want it, how silly.

Still looking. Glad it was within driving distance, but a waste of 3 hours except a quick stop at Harbor Freight to spent the normal $25. Anybody ever get out of there spending less??

Regards, Wayne

P.S
My wife just said no one gets out of there spending so little!!
 
I've walked out of HF with change from a $5, but my wife, daughter, and mother-in-law were along with their hands on my wallet.

Back to Jags, XK8's in particular; is there any truth to stories I've read about them losing compression if the fuel mixture is too rich? Excess fuel washes the oil off of the cylinders? Is this related to the Nikasil (?) treatment?
Thx
 
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