Hello,
Does anyone have a source(s) for a full timing chain kit with tensioners, cam cover gaskets etc.?
Either within Australia or further afield.
I have a rattle and even though previous owner's receipts say they were done three years ago, as they say 'better safe than busted'.
Prices seem to vary markedly so hoping to find good value for money.
I've fast worked out that JAG is an acronym for Just Another Grand.
But I wouldn't drive anything else!!

 

That acronym is hilarious! I'm using it!

Anyways, I have not heard of a full kit including gaskets being available. I have heard of the timing set being available only. Maybe somebody else on here knows. Here in the states I know a lot of people use rockauto.com
I'm not sure that they ship to your country or not. I've seen them on Amazon.com also, just not as cheap from what I remember. Good luck!

 

Btw, being a 98', I'm fairly confident you have to stick with the plastic primary tensioners. Why?? Because if you look at an oil pump for a 99' on up, it has these 2 little oil squirters that lubes the primary timing chain down at the crankshaft. The 98' only does not have these oil squirters. The primary timing chains are lubed via thru the plastic timing chain tensioners. There's a small hole on the top of those tensioners that expel oil to lube the chains. As far as I know, the upgraded metal primary timing chain tensioners are designed more for the 99' on up. They don't have an oil squirter hole on top of the metal tensioners. Maybe motorcarman can chime in on this seeing as he's the guru on here.

 

I bought a full set (chains, primary tensioners, secondary tensioners, new bolts, and the packing for covers and spark plugs from Berkshire Jag, Anthony.
They shipped all the way to Taiwan.
Berkshire Jag Components - Jaguar Spares and Jaguar Spare Parts

 

Now you got me terribly scared
First time I hear this.

 

All 4.0 XJ/XK oil pumps are the same To Engine (0108122359).
From Engine (0108130000) the primary chains and pump are the newer style.

All the primary (and secondary) tensioners can be the newer metal body style.
The primary guide BLADES are different between the two versions.

bob

 

So Bob, how can the primary timing chains get lubricated if the 98' only oil pump doesn't have the oil squirters down by the crankshaft if you replace the primary tensioners with the metal ones?? The metal primary tensioners don't have a hole on the top of them to lube the chains thru the blade.

 

Having plastic primary tensioners aren't problematic like the secondaries. Yes, I even put plastic primary tensioners back in my 98' XJR because if I put the metal ones in, where does the oil come from to lubricate those two primary chains?? Yes, I wanted to put the latest and greatest primary tensioners in, but I couldn't find the answer an I didn't want to deprive the chains of any oil.

 

I guess I never concerned myself with the problem??
I have done dozens of chain/tensioner replacements and NONE have come back to bite me in the @$$. The front timing cover area is BATHED/SHOWERED in oil and I have never seen a dry area when the timing cover is removed.

Millions of small engines use ONLY 'dip-and-splash' oiling so the lube does not seem to be a problem.

There was NEVER a caution to NOT install the updated primaries in the early engines so Jaguar did not seem concerned either.

Good question but I don't have your answer.

bob