I recently (December 2012) replaced the secondary tensioners on my 2001 XK8 with 115,000 miles. The existing tensioners were second generation and the only problem was one had a crack in the body of the part. I was told that a crack at that location was not a big problem.

The top portions that the chain glides on were in good shape. The tech said if there are cracks on the top part the secondary tensioner they will break apart. When that happens the chain will destroy the engine.


Glad I had it done because during the replacement I had him replace valve cover gaskets (2), spark plug seals (8), valve cover bolt seal and load breather hose. It is nice to drive the car and if I need to turn on the heater I don't smell oil burning. Total charge including replacing the secondary tensioners and an oil change was $804.34. Having the peace of mind knowing my engine will not be destroyed anytime soon - priceless.


Now I need to give the tech a plug. His name is Jeff Flynn and he operates a business called Special Interest Auto Service. It has an address of 3855 Edgewood Ave. S., #103, St Louis Park, Minnesota with a telephone number of 952-934-4049. If you live anywhere near Minneapolis, Minnesota, St Paul, Minnesota or the upper Midwest give this guy a shot.


If anyone has had the above type of work done please reach out with what you were charged. I think the above price was outstanding. Short of doing it myself (outside my depth) it was the best price around.


He runs a clean shop with numerous Jags and Ferrari's. Doesn't do much work on Ferrari's 95 and newer. I guess the code reader for newer models goes for 30k.


From this point Jeff will do all the work on my Jag and if he is willing he will do the work on any other cars I have.

 

That sounds like a reasonable price for the work performed.
Have you been back for more work since your last post?

I just bought a 2005 S-Type and am in need of good mechanics that can do the stuff I can't, such as reprogramming any modules (need Jaguar software and computer to do).

Thank you for sharing.

 

Good to know. I have been wondering where to take my XJ8 for service.

 

Hey WhiteKitty. I plan on having him change the oil and replace a switch for the cruise control. He gave me a price of $125.00 for the part and his labor rates are the best around.

It seems whenever a repair shop sees a owner of a Jag they start seeing dollar signs and they soak you. Not Jeff, he is a honest guy.

Hope this helps.

 

Having purchased the car recently from what seems like the most honest car salesman I have ever seen, I am off to a good start. So knowing that this guy you mention is honest and fair is a valuable asset to an Jaguar owner. I will give him a call soon. Hopefully he can give me his opinion on my rear differential noise I'm getting after having just replaced the fluid with Royal Purple 75W-140...hmmm

Thank you, rpeterson7711

 

Just went to Special Interest Auto in St Louis Park. Had oil changed and a few other small items checked. Was charged $66.42. He can beat any price around and he knows what he is doing.

I will keep bringing him my Jag for big or small jobs.

 

Thanx for the tip. Since I just got my first jag I wanted to find a good mechanic for future issues. He was also recommended by the previous owner who lives in Wisconsin. I went to his shop and he walked me through how to check for a Marelli issue an took about a half hour just to show me around. Super nice guy. And lucky for me he is only a mile from my house.
Thanx again.
Grant
1989 xjs convertible

 

No problem. We are all in this together.

 

I have known Jeff for twenty years, he is first class and knows his way around Jags.
He is also a member of the Minnesota Jaguar club.

 

Does jeff do instrument cluster programming?