Evening all

When I start the car I get a nasty noise initially that comes from the front of the engine and lasts a few seconds. On one occasion this continued whilst the car was running (after a particularly fast drive). Sounds much like a knackered BMW vanos. I have been pointed towards the chain tensioner.

What is the process to change this? It appears to be two bolts/nuts and remove. I have changed tensioners on BMW's that I am more familiar with and it was simply a case of removing and inserting the new tensioner and bolting up. However I have read conflicting write ups about some kind of process involved with spacer plates, hooking the thing onto the timing chain etc. so I am confused and don't want to turn an annoying mechanical noise into a disaster!

Is there a guide to this on the forum?

Many thanks
Sam.

 

Good write up here
Jaguar XJ6 timing chain, Jaguar chain guides, repair, overhaul

 

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ations-220015/

 

I would start with the upper chain tensioner which is made to be adjusted by hand and can be done without a lot of disassembly.
Here is where one owner used a pair of needle-nosed pliers instead of the special tool the factory manual recommends:
Tightening the Upper Timing Chains, 4.2L Engine
Here is another web-site where they are using the recommended tool:
https://www.justanswer.com/jaguar/7b...ing-chain.html

On my 4.2, I used an 18mm socket to loosen the nut holding the tensioner.

Here is a picture of the factory recommended tool like I used:

And here is a source in the U.S. to get your own for $25 plus shipping:
https://xks.com/i-6918407-jaguar-tim...l-17-0112.html

Here is a picture using the tool:


Edit:
The instructions that were with the picture mention loosening the 18mm nut by the phrase "slacken the locknut", are as follows:

1. Refer to figure C and, through the breather aperture, slacken the locknut which secures is the serrated adjustment plate
2. Using the adjustment tool, depress the locking plunger and rotate the adjustment plate by means of the two holes in an anticlockwise direction. When correctly tensioned there should be slight flexibility on both outer sides below the camshaft sprockets, that is, the chain should not be dead tight.
3. Rotate the crankshaft slightly each way and recheck that chain tension.
4. Release the locking plunger and tighten the (18mm) locknut.
5. The tension of the chain may be released by following this procedure except by turning the adjustment plate in a clockwise direction

The above instructions are from a complete instruction for the "Jaguar Early XJ6 Head Reinstallation", which includes a nice video:
https://willowgreen.wordpress.com/20...einstallation/

 

Not on these engines Tom, very different design to the old XK engine.

 

So sam1977's car is not an XJ6?

 

Tom,

OOPS on his part, as he SHOULD have his car details at teh bottom.

He has an X300 XJ6 3.2ltr, which is the AJ16 engine.

Maybe????? the 1977 is hos birth year?????

GGG AKA Graham, will need to remind him to include the details, to help us help him.

 

LOL !

I see how "radically different" in the timing chain department would the 3,2L be as compared with the older typical 3.8/4.2L set up!

 

Like the 6 versus the V12.

This is the parts drawing of the top chain and items for the AJ16, #10 being the item in discussion here. Albeit the OLD style unit, as NO parts book shows the NEW style tentioner.

 

Tom,

Like the 6 versus the V12 set up.

This is the parts drawing of the AJ16 arrangement, and #10 is the item in discussion here, albeit the OLD style unit, as NO parts book shows the NEW style unit.

 

Sorry my bad I'll update by signature in a sec. My car is indeed AJ16, its a 1994 X300 XJ 3.2

I read the link on first reply and the diagram is very useful. So the "ears" on the piston need to align with the edge of the chain tensioner by the looks of it. The link was talking about compressing the piston before install and about removing the old one but with valve cover off. Given I don't want to remove valve cover ideally, whats the method for a) getting the old assembly out and b) the new one in to align with chain guide?

 

This is the Jaguar TSB covering installing the revised tensioner to resolve the rattle

It is lacking information covered by others in other post

On mine I decided to not to do the conversion just yet until I get a better handle on it and not mess up

I broke one revised tensioner by dropping it and am lucky I have a good inspection eye in my workmanship before I plugged it in donor cars

http://www.jagrepair.com/images/TSB/...er%20Start.pdf

There was a oil viscosity recommendation from Motorcarman ( I can't remember ) to also address this specific area of lubrication like the supercharged models have their specific area of concern

See also this related thread that may or may not appear on your computer as a feature that appears below this current thread

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xj-xj6-xjr6-x300-26/replacing-upper-chain-tensioner-111051/

Notice the last post on reinstalling the cam position sensor covered in this TSB that is lacking information on finding the true # 1 cylinder TDC without removing the valve cover but seeing the # 4 through the filler cap

If I recall XJREngineer mentioned the # 3 cylinder and I never physically confirmed this

He also mentioned a timing mark on the ring gear / engine block other then the missing tooth on the ring

It's in the engine manual

Remember the crankshaft rotates 2 times for each camshaft rotation on a 4 cycle engine

By installing the cam position sensor 360 degrees out you will confuse the engine in starting sequence

 

Just picking up again on this thread since its the next job on my list. Read the service bulletin posted above from Jaguar about how to prep and fit the new style tensioner - essentially the clamp and long bolt not required and has to be wound back before fitting.

So I have a few questions:

1) Best place to buy one? Checked out ebay mainly seem to be used old style ones or from the USA new ones or bloody expensive! Looking for a UK supplier ideally.
2) Do these generally come with a replacement short bolt and O ring i.e. the full kit
3) Since mine is an old style one rather than a replacement new style it seems I don't need to remove the cam cover. Is that correct?

Many thanks in advance as always
Sam.

 

Depends what you call expensive!
complete kit with chain £400
https://www.britishparts.co.uk/jagua...oner-kit-p1597
or £282
https://www.britishparts.co.uk/jagua...oner-kit-p3119

 

Thanks. When I did my rear shocks I emailed them and they didn't bother to reply. I got them elsewhere so I am not sure I would contact them again. Also if you read the thread, I need the tensioner not a whole kit with the guide, chain etc.

Best
Sam.

 

I recently spent many weeks building up a large order of hoses with them , emailing everyday, adding a bit here and there. I must say, they were very good with me so might be worth a second chance but I do know how you must feel. Now the EU roaming rules are in place you could phone them on your mobile for free (if you have free minutes included on your mobile)

They do the tensioner too for £90 https://www.britishparts.co.uk/jagua...ensioner-p1627 but I had thought whilst you were in there you might as well change everything to save having to do it later.

Jaguar classic parts (Jaguar themselves) don’t list a whole tensioner, but all the individual parts but again when I have emailed them they have been very helpful. It will be worth asking them. https://www.jaguarclassicparts.com/u...-3-2-4-0-litre

good luck.

 

My advice,

1) I use SNG, or Manners.
2) Mine did not, so I ordered the o/ring and gasket. Bolt???, got a bucket full of bolts, found a suitable.
3) With the "old style" I would, and lever the old unit from the chain side, just in case it decides to seperate as you pull it out, and then you are knackered for a quick fix.

 

Thank you thats really helpful. I will certainly try them again based on your experience and £90 seems a fair price.

I'll update you on progress!

 

Oh , I forgot to say that they give a 10% discount to JEC members too!