Greetings, My journey began with a small oil leak on a cam cover gasket. I started researching for guidance regarding the necessary parts and procedure. Within this forum, and other places on the internet, I came across warnings and dire predictions regarding the timing chain tensioners on the early AJ-V8 engines. My XK8 definitely was fitted with such an engine (CA9609301441) and there was no evidence that work had been carried out as recommended on the timing chains. I contracted the service shop I have used since the 70's to undertake the project. When the timing chain cover was removed and the components inspected we found both upper tensioners to be frozen and both chain guides cracked. Fortunately, beyond these issues there was no damage to the engine, but I was driving around with a bomb waiting to explode. It was my decision, once into the engine that deep, to replace all the chains, tensioners, and guides. Additionally, also because of information found on this forum, we replaced the water pump and swapped the plastic thermostat housing for the upgraded aluminum housing. The job took much longer than the mechanics estimated, but the stayed with their original quote and delivered a very fine job. I truly believe the timing system could have failed at any moment and thanks to this forum I dodged a very expensive bullet. The total job - parts, special tools, and labor was about USD3,300.00. I trust it is not inappropriate to extend my thanks to Vicky Pittsley at Terry's Jag for her kind and considerable help in getting me the quality parts I needed. Everyone on this forum who has urged owners with the older engines (I think prior to 2002) to have their timing chain system serviced is spot on and providing very good advise. Thanks to all of you! Regards, Ken

 

I'm glad you caught it in time. I need to do them on my '97 XK8 also but don't have the funds yet and I am going to try and fo them myself. I will also 2nd the thanks to Vicky at Terry's Jag for putting up with me ordering various parts from them.



Dave

 

Thanks for reinforcing what we all know Ken.
Dave, I ended up with the tools from layla801, (cam locking bar kit). Might save some effort over the zip tie method. Funny how the only part of this job that is worrisome to me is the dip stick tube.


Wayne

 

If I am real lucky will only have to do one side as the right side was done in Feb 2002 and the metal ones were out by then. Hopefully they didn't put a plastic one back in. I want to try and get it done within the next month if I can swing it.



Dave

 

Greetings, As I prepared for the timing chain work I discovered a special tool kit used on both Jaguar V8's and Land Rover engines. I have attached a photo of the kit which can be found on eBay, Amazon, and probably many other sites. I purchased mine on eBay for USD185.00. My mechanics used it successfully on my engine and then I let them keep it for an upcoming Land Rover job. Actually, I just let them keep it forever as a thank you for the good work and staying to quote. My original intent was to buy the tools, use them, and then resell them to recover some of the money. I should confess that I'm addicted to tools - I own way too many. Early on, maybe 12 years old, I received a severe scolding from a teacher for using some equipment without asking, which was not true, I had asked. Anyway, sitting there I promised myself I would never borrow anything ever again and I haven't. If I need it I own it. I'm sure therapy is indicated. Considering what can happen to this engine, and what that might cost if the job isn't done right, I thought the correct tools represented a wise investment. Regards, Ken

 

This tool kit is currently on ebay for £65 if anyone is interested?

JAGUAR / LAND ROVER 3.2, 3.5, 4.0, 4.2 & 4.4 V8 Engines Timing Tool Set Free S/H | eBay

 

incredible! just found it for £39, got to be too good a deal not to get one just in case?

JAGUAR / LAND ROVER 3.2, 3.5, 4.0, 4.2 & 4.4 V8 Engines Timing Tool Set Free S/H | eBay

 

Best deal in the US.

Jaguar 97 08 Land Rover 3 2 3 5 4 0 4 2 4 4 V8 Engines Timing Tool Set | eBay

 

phanc:

Thanks for that link, since the full primary and secondary chain and tensioner change is on the agenda in about 2 weeks. I will be in the UK next week so I just ordered these tools that I will collect there and bring them home just in time for the job.

Still not sure about what brand of tensioners/chains to buy. The CNS brand from e-bay? Christopher's Foreign Cars full kit including gaskets and seals? Dave C Roche? Others?

Andy

 

I am planning the full primary and secondary replacement in a couple of weeks and I was following a thread on the XJ8 section about this exact topic. I am unsure about the best place to buy the parts, so I posted the below over there but thought I should copy it for us on the XK8 side:

Some time ago Jeff posted this asking about the quality of these aftermarket CNS brand kits. Can anyone who has used them comment on the quality of this or other e-bay kits?

I noticed that Barratt, Chris, DCR and jag-bits all supply after market parts. Any comments on the quality of these, in comparison?

Thanks for the advice.

Andy

 

One of the members bought a set for a little over $50, but some part broke. If someone knows which thread has that information please provide a link so that we don't buy junk.

 

I just went through this a couple of months ago. This is the parts list I have. Some are lincoln ls parts when they work.

Timing chain kit: for Lincoln LS
DNJ. # TK4162 $172 @ Rockauto.
Everything fits perect except in my opinion the guides are incorrect. Some members have used the guides in the kit but I didn't like the way they fit. I got the guides separately from SnG listed below. Still cheaper than buying a Jaguar kit.

Cam cover kit: for Lincoln LS
Fel-Pro. # VS50724R. $44 @ Partsgeek.
Doesn't come with VVT seal.

VVT seals:
2- AJ8256. $5ea @ AutohausAZ

SNG Barrett for next items.
Timing cover gaskets:
AJ83699. $16
NCA2127AC. $17(Lincoln LS different)
Chain guides:
2- NCA2025AB. $23ea
2- NCA1998AB. $33ea

From RMEUROPEAN
Crankshaft seal:
AJ83698. $10.25


Total: $381.25 + any shipping charges
This is what I found that works for the best price. You can do your own research and may do better.

 

Hi RobRoy:

Thanks for that run-down on the parts. I believe you were doing a 2000 and mine is a 1998 so the parts are not all the same. Nevertheless it does give a basis for comparison.

Interestingly, the Rock Auto kit plus the SNG Barratt chain guides add up to the exact same amount as the CNS kit referenced in the e-bay link above ($285).

My only reluctance in the purchasing that kit is the unknown quality. I know some after market parts are the same as the originals, just branded differently and less costly, while others are junk. I do not want the latter in the Jag!

Andy

 

The only difference in the AJ27 and the AJ26, your motor, for what you are doing is the VVT. So that means that my parts list is correct except you won't need the VVT seals for the valve cover.
As for the timing kit the one your talking about has the, in my opinion, the wrong guides. The photo below shows the comparison. The ones in your kit are too long and you have to install them upside down to make them work. The only kit that I could find with the correct guides was a Jaguar kit at SNG # TCK8MAJ/1 that has everything including correct guides for $700. As I mentioned before others have used these guides but I'm not comfortable using them.

All I can figure is those longer guides are for a later model possibly a 4.2L.

In fact if you want my incorrect guides you can have them because I'll never use them.

I made the mistake of buying the timing cover gaskets for a Lincoln LS. Look like they would fit but the is a minor difference between them.

I'm just trying to pass on what I learned from doing my rebuild. I have had no problems, except the transmission is acting up, or any oil leaks.

 

Thanks for pointing that out RobRoy. Looking at the photos of the kits from CNS and Christopher's, I see what you mean about the guide length and I did view your photos in the thread where you repaired yours and can see that the long guides are not right.

 

Cam cover gaskets for AJ26 are different. Up to engine#9810290000 they are:
A Bank NCA2515AE
B Bank NCA2516AE
Spark Plug Seal NCA2578BB

The spark plug seals are the figure 8 design for the older engine, while the newer ones had separate plug seals.

 

Thanks for correcting me RJ. Are the gaskets for the cam cover and seals for the bolts the same as the AJ27 and only the spark plug seals different? I have never fitted one on a AJ26 yet, but I will in the future. I checked the SNG site and the cover gaskets you show have been superseded.
My suggestion Andy is to get the Jaguar set for your car in stead of the Lincoln LS set. It will cost a bit more but you know you'll have the correct ones.
I need to do the tensioners on my wife's 98xj8 soon so I will find out then what fits and what doesn't.

 

The cover gaskets are very different, thicker and color coded red one side and grey the other. I would be concerned about a part superseded as it may be a mistake. I'll see if I can find the order for mine. The AJ27 gaskets rattle around in the grooves.

 

I have the earlier motor with the 'pair of specs' plug seals, and bought OEM gaskets (earlier this year) as I'd heard of others having leaks with aftermarket.

The Jaguar replacement cam cover gasket is a shadow of its former self and did indeed 'rattle in the grooves'. So much so that I re-used the original as it had retained its flexibility.
Dealer was working from VIN and didn't show any alternative so assuming they got it right the thicker original grey/red type must be NLA.


HTH,
MIke

 

I got mine from British parts international. They may still have them in stock.

VALVE COVER GASKET KIT :: ENGINE :: 1997 :: XK8 :: JAGUAR...