I have noticed that occassionally I hear a rattling sound, from under the hood when I first start the car. The car basically starts, then you hear a rattle for a few seconds.....and then its done. Any suggestions?

 

timing chain!!

upper tensioner to be exact

 

TYomalonic:
That has been reported as the first sign of low oil level. I am suprised you have a noise at that low mileage.

 

There was a TSB 03-1-09 issued 5-96 to address this fault . A revised tensioner is offered to replace the older one. New tensioner part # NBC2031AA but you need a shorter bolt to replace the longer one in the old tensioner. A new 'o'ring and gasket should be installed with the new tensioner.

bob gauff

 

Panchostatus: How did you know it was the upper tensioner right off?

Sparkenzap: The oil level is fine in the car. Low mileage would make you think that issues like this wouldn't arise, but I am learning that no car is exempt from needing alittle TLC. I have had this Jag for 10 days and certainly learned alot real fast,

Motorcarman: TSB? Does this mean I need to take it to the dealership to have the work done? Or can my regular mechanic handle it?

Thanks again for all the help.

 

I knew just because it seems to be a common thing that creates the tell-tale rattle, & the TSB that was issued to address this particular problem.

&it's easy enough to do yourself, but the cam sensor has to come out to give you enough room to get the old tensioner out.

motor has to be set at top dead center& once you have the tensioner out, double check that the camshafts are at TDC with the little jag timing tool.
reinstall new tensioner with gasket/o-ring and reinstall cam sensor and cam cover & ensure proper cam sensor setting and that's all there is to it.

but in answer to your original question, yes, your regular mechanic should be able to handle it if he's familiar with these vehicles.
if you have the JDHT CD manual, that is extremely helpful and gives you step by step instructions.

 

Came across this online

http://www.europeantransmissions.com...04.0%20Ltr.pdf

 

Yes change the upper tensioner if yours looks like the 1 panchostatus posted. Also do not run lighter weight oil in this engine than 20-50w itll do the same thing

 

Mine makes the same exact sound. Is this a dire need that I need to have done asap or can it hold off for a while? I'm using Mobile 1 clean 5000 I'm not sure what weight it is but it may have started after my first (and last) oil change. I want to get all of my belts replaced as well as my fuel filter and ABS actuator taken care of first. I want to get this car as mint as possible for a 14 year old luxury sedan!

 

If you look around the forums, the consensus of early MY XJs and XK owners agree, that if the timing chain tensioners fail, they can cause severe damage to the internals of the engine, with bits and pieces of the plastic going everywhere. Preventative maintenance and logic should prevail here; if you hear the rattle, it needs to be done ASAP. There's no telling when it'll break off entirely.

 

Is this an expensive fix to have my mechanic do? He's been working on Jaguars for 45 years so I'm sure he'll be able to do it in a short enough time...

 

Matt, different engine, and not as criticle as the early v8's. Still should be done, but be prepared for not all the noise to be gone. You may need to have all the chains, guides and tensioners replaced. But that upper one is a easy quick fix, you just have to take out the cam sensor(in the spot once occupied by a distributor right below it. Make sure you mark the before dot location in relation to the body, and as you pull it up it will rotate since its a beveled gear. Mark were it goes to, this is where you place the dot to start installation, then the dot should be in the same location you started in with the body in the same place on the engine too.

 

thanks for clarifying for me brutal. dang...i need to stick with my own 'kind'