The engine hesitates on my 1997 xk8 Jag. I've just acquired the car, had the oil changed plus almost entirely replacing suspension. I've tried to gun it on the freeway to no avail - any ideas? Kindly, Demetria

Have you checked your catalytic converter?

you may try adding a engine oil flush follow the instructions on the container if the lifter is blocked that may help but that engine at that model/year suffered with worn nicosyl coated liners which made the engine poor starting/noisy unless it has been reworked with cast liners

anytime a knock is involved it is usually the crankshaft, crankshaft bearings, piston rods, i could go on .. sorry you car is finished

Blockage will cause this, Thermostat, Bad Water Pump, Blown Head Gasket....

HEAD GASKET is the Biggie.. Why did you change the Water Pump?

Pressure from the Engine (Blow by) will do exactly this...

I'm not 100% sure on Jags, but on a domestic vehicle you have to clear the code with a scan tool. You should be able to call any Jaguar service center and get a quick answer.

SOUND LIKE CLUSTER WORN OUT OR POOR GROUND LOOSE WIRE.

either your "double-crossover flow" radiator is plugged or if you have excessive pressure when you remove radiator cap its got a bad head gasket,then start checking your oil for signs of milky looking oil and foaminess then you got BIG troubles ahead

Last year my car suddenly overheated while idling to the point the coolant tank exploded. I took it to a foreign car repair shop where they replaced the coolant tank and put in another thermostat. It didn't make it home before it overheated again. I took it to the Jag dealership where they felt that my hoses had expanded to much during the overheat so they replaced all of my hoses to a tune of $1000. Three months later it overheated again. I took it to another foreign car repair shop where they discovered the real culprit. An impeller had broken off of my waterpump, I had a blockage in my radiator, and I had a short in one of the coolant fans that made it only work part of the time. So about $2400 later my car has been coolant issue free for about 2 years now. Good luck and I hope this helps.

I had similar problem but worse. Mine would not reverse uphill! I changed oil and filter in torque converter and solved the problem.

In the trunk on the right side behind the carpet is the hyrdaulic unit. There is a T fitting on it. Turn the T fitting counterclockwise to release pressure. Tighten it back up and try the top again. I have had this work for me several times.