Finally got sick of the rattles in the 3.2ltr X300.

This may of interest to some.

Replaced the top tentioner (updated version), with another updated version, not much change, mmmm.

Peering into the depths of the timing cover, with the cam cover off, I noticed that the chain still had slack, not good.

Had a spare new chain here, for something or other, cut it at 43 links, found a joiner link, wound in the new chain, reset the cam timing, it was out before I started, so someone has been here before, refitted the tentioner, fired it off, camcover back on, started the beast, SILENT, sweet, consume beer, MANY.

At 154000kms, this should not be an issue, but I reckon that poor servicing (despite the books), and cheap oil have contributed to this chain wear. I know that the blades and dampers are probably just as sad, but when the engine comes out, and it will one day, they will be attended to.

So for now the mighty XJ-S is back in storage, and the 3.2 is the daily driver again.

 

Has anyone seen improvements from buying the new tensioner chain? Mine too rattles a bit on crank.
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CLASSACTION SETTLEMENTS

 

Yea me too. It makes an annoying rattle on warm start ups.

 

usually just changing out the tensioner fixes things

 

Is that hard to do yourself? And how much do those usually go for?

 

It's not hard to do yourself at all if you know your way around under the hood, the TSB gives you step by step instructions, and I actually have no idea how much they go for. I've seen them on ebay for 25 or so but I don't trust it.