Keep at it! I think you are very close to the solution.
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The starter gear may not be retracting fast enough due to corrosion, and hits the flywheel. Have seen that on other cars. The flywheel teeth are probably fine. Easy to pull it out and check.

 

My car started doing the same thing at 3,000 rpms. I was told the timing chain has loosened by several mechanics. The noise is caused by the chain slipping due to the slack. Taking it in a few weeks for repair. Unfortunately it's extensive and estimated to cost between 3 and 4 grand.

 

Welcome to the forum,
If the chain is slipping you don't want to drive the car.
What year model is it?
Don't forget that intro in the new members section!

 

Check book value of your car, sometimes people pay for repairs more than car value.

 

If its 2000-2002 4.0 V8 not worth the repair unless you can DIY.

Costs range from $1,000 and up for tensioner, chains and guides. Parts are expensive, its labor intensive, specialized tools are necessary and you must find a shop that has the tools, knowledge and done this before as there are some quirks they will have attained through doing this job previously.

 

Mechanic started engine w/o oil.
Was engine knocking when you got it from oil changing mechanic? Did you check oil level?

 

$295 chain kit for V8, pretty expensive.
02 09 Jaguar AJ PA AJ33 4 0L 4 2L Timing Chain Tensioner Guide Rail Kit Ford | eBay
$490 for V6

 

I too have the same situation on a US 2004 XJ8, 46,000 miles, always had Mobil One synthetic oil. The noise lasts but a few seconds at start up and usually when it has sat overnight or for a longer period of time. Usually if car has been running and restarted the noise will not appear. Really looking forward to hearing if you are able to resolve your issue. Your recording was right on. Same issue.

 

Too bad the original guy never posted back the fix??

Sounded like we were getting close but he never would take the starter off and look?
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4.2L engines do not have tensioner/chain issues.

 

Answer is here. Who changed oil? Let him pay for repairs. Mileage is very low unless it is rolled back.

 

OK guys,
Has anyone figured out what source of this noise is? I Have exact same issue.
I have tried replacing water pump, tensioners, serpentine belt, serviced the AC System, etc. It sounds very much like a timing chain that is loose on start up where tension might be held or stabilized by a hydraulic cylinder that bleeds down overnight in behavior. It also resembles a wrist-pin knock as it seems to be buried in engine.
Mine is regular enough, i should be able to verify starter or no starter, it just sounds too low in frequency and too high/too deeply buried within the engine.
Mine is sever enough, waiting for the large "clunk" where it becomes obvious.

Regards to all,
Steven

 

Which engine? The 4.0?

See below...

 

Apologies,
i thought my info was already in my signature line.
I have a 2003 XK8 with 4.2 so these are the newer style tensioners which everyone says can't be the issue. Seems like others with similar vintage are having a mystery that sounds like timing chain are we all in denial?
Could also be sticky cam follower (lifter) type noise.
Mileage is 120K, well serviced.
Currently trying 10w 40w synthetic oil to try to help no effect.

Kind Regards to all,
Steven

 

You'd be better asking in the right forum and a thread not about the 4.0 as you appear to be asking about something else entirely than this thread's main subject. I see others have muddied the waters so rapidly this thread is just a dead end.

I wonder if a mod would like to split it and move the XK parts to the XK forum...