Secondary or Primary Tensioners?

Jaguar Forums Classifieds Photo Gallery Calendars Search Contact JF Sponsors
Jaguar News Forum FAQ Recalls TSBs Timeslips Register Login

Secondary or Primary Tensioners?

Printable Version

Jaguar Forums >> Jaguar Models >> Jaguar XJ8 & Jaguar XJR >> Secondary or Primary Tensioners?

Page: [1] 2 next > >>

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

Secondary or Primary Tensioners? - 7/16/2008 11:02:34 AM

wilson18067

Posts: 13
Joined: 7/15/2008
Status: offline

I bought a 2000 XJ8 last weekend and am incredibly happy because I have always wanted a Jaguar and finally found one I could afford. The car has 58,000 miles on it, runs great and is in very good condition. I am starting to feel a little uneasy though after reading all the posts here about the timing chain tensioners. From all I''ve read so far it seems to me that the secondary tensioners are a bigger problem and fail more frequently than the primary tensioners. I am quite mechanically adept and would have no trouble performing the repair but I wonder if it is necessary to replace both the primary and secondary tensioners, or is replacing just the secondary tensioners enough? Does anyone have any statistics about frequency of failure between primary and secondary? Are there any overall statistics about the frequency of this failure based on total vehicle production? So far I''ve found great info here and will continue to look here for advice from other members.

Post #: 1

RE: Secondary or Primary Tensioners? - 7/16/2008 11:32:29 AM

KAZSAM

Posts: 647
Joined: 2/14/2008
Status: offline

if you are going in there you might as well do both and when you button it up you won''t have to worry anylonger with the upgraded tensioners. Don''t know about the statistics but the tensioners on 4.0 motors on all Jag models eventually go. My S Type went at 67,000 miles. A loud ticking noise from the front of motor is a big giveaway.

_____________________________

KAZSAM

(in reply to wilson18067)

Post #: 2

RE: Secondary or Primary Tensioners? - 7/16/2008 11:49:58 AM

PhilinWales

Posts: 7
Joined: 7/14/2008
Status: offline

Mine went at 70,000 and were originally replaced by jaguar under warranty. The tensioners were replaced with the 2nd generation which started to break six weeks ago (at 146,000). I replaced the whole set (primary & secondary with the new 5th generation which are very nice and made of much stronger material (i think Jag have learnt by now). I got my full tensioner and guide set from Euro-jag for £310+p&p - Job done.

(in reply to wilson18067)

Post #: 3

RE: Secondary or Primary Tensioners? - 7/16/2008 12:53:28 PM

KAZSAM

Posts: 647
Joined: 2/14/2008
Status: offline

Now you ''ve got me worried phil when did they go to 5th generation. My rebuild only happened 4 months ago

_____________________________

KAZSAM

(in reply to PhilinWales)

Post #: 4

RE: Secondary or Primary Tensioners? - 7/16/2008 4:20:05 PM

atom069

Posts: 54
Joined: 6/14/2008
Status: offline

My guess is that most ticks are actually one/both of the secondary chains on the rotation. I would think that a big culprit would probably be lots of chain sag from losing/gaining too much tension from a bunk tensioner. I''d ask the Techs.

3rd gen all-metal tensioner''s for 4.0L are all you need.

Check my thread about my replacement, you will see how bad it can get without actually busting.

(in reply to KAZSAM)

Post #: 5

RE: Secondary or Primary Tensioners? - 7/19/2008 2:01:16 AM

wilson18067

Posts: 13
Joined: 7/15/2008
Status: offline

Thanks to all for your replies. I have been reading a lot on the forum in the last week and am wondering if I should wait until there is a problem. I see many posts from FactoryJagTech and he says "if it aint broke, don''t fix it." Will there be a definite warning that the tensioners are bad or can they fail without me knowing it? I know there has been a lot of discussion of this topic and I apologize for my naivete, but I have only had my car about a week and have no experience working on Jags.

Thanks

(in reply to atom069)

Post #: 6

RE: Secondary or Primary Tensioners? - 7/19/2008 12:07:10 PM

jag_genius

Posts: 1735
Joined: 6/30/2007
Status: offline

on cold mornings if you hear a rattle on start up.. then they need to get replaced.. because there failling.. if not then keep driving it.

_____________________________

www.stores.ebay.com/JAG-GENIUS
Jaguar Master Tech
ASE Master Tech

(in reply to wilson18067)

Post #: 7

RE: Secondary or Primary Tensioners? - 7/19/2008 12:24:40 PM

steve

Posts: 13
Joined: 2/17/2008
Status: offline

Hi I sent you a E /mail about helping you with the timing chains and tenc did you get it if you have a tech thats ok I have the special tools needed to do the job that I will sell let me know if you are interested Steve

(in reply to jag_genius)

Post #: 8

RE: Secondary or Primary Tensioners? - 7/21/2008 6:11:36 AM

wilson18067

Posts: 13
Joined: 7/15/2008
Status: offline

HI Steve,

What are you asking for the tools?

(in reply to steve)

Post #: 9

RE: Secondary or Primary Tensioners? - 7/22/2008 3:09:44 PM

atom069

Posts: 54
Joined: 6/14/2008
Status: offline

http://www.jaguarforums.com/m_51628/tm.htm

Check that thread, it''s mine. It''s the most looked at thread on this topic it appears. Should be stickied to show how bad it tensioner''s can get. It is my tensioner replacment with pics. Both sets. You will see how bad it can get. DO NOT wait to do this job, or you''ll be buying a new ride. (lot cheaper than fixing)

I have the tools you need, I am selling for $185 shipped, only used once. They retail $400+ at my Jag dealer, 4 easily machined tools, what a crock.

I will take paypal.com (must be verified) and money order.

(in reply to wilson18067)

Post #: 10