Is there a way to release the tension on the upper timing chain without using the jaguar tool

 

Put prongs of round nosed pliers into holes of serrated plate and rotate clockwise. First need to knock up the tab washer you see when removing the breather and slacken the bolt. Then depress the spring loaded plunger before trying to rotate.

 

Thanks!

 

It can be done with a suitable pair of pliers but the Jaguar tool is fairly inexpensive and works so much better.

 

Update . It turned out to be very easy to use the pliers method to release the tension. . Lifting the head up off the head bolts (while still in the car) has turned out to be much harder!! 4 hours in alternating a small hydraulic jack from side to side of the head to lift it quarter inch or less at a time.

 

+5 to jtestrake. The proper tool allows a free hand which is necessary on reassembly.

 

Reassembly will be a whole new adventure IF I try that part myself.

 

It's funny, I've never had a problem getting an XK cylinder head off, but I've only done a 2.4 and a 4.2 litre engine.

 

Free at last .. lots of carbon dating ...penetrating oil pooling in cylinder 4 ....on to stud removal .

 

I found the head came off my 4.2 long stud ok providing you kept it dead straight and level, otherwise you jammed on the studs

 

That was part of the problem with the side to side hydraulic jack method. Too much crud for hand work but no way to keep the lifting straight..