HI Guys, My beloved XJ8 is down. The plastic tensioner failed and jammed itself btw then chain and the procket. The 2ndary chain snapped during start up after getting gas. Question: Is there an easy way to find out if I have damaged valves? I'm hoping I can replace the chain and tensioners to get my kitty back on the road. I looked in the search field but didnt find a way that I could check myself. Thanks in advance

 

Rotate the exhaust cam to the position where it is not touching the valves and check compression. Not a total guarantee, but an indication.

 

Is the exhaust cam the 1 on the outside nearest to the fender? The drivers side tensioner is the one that failed

 

Yes. There is only the one chain broken, between the two camshafts on that side, correct? The exhaust cam is driven by the sprocket on the intake. You will have to remove that chain. When you get the exhaust cam to the position where it is not touching the valve buckets, look at each valve bucket. If there are any depressed into the head, probably a bent valve.

 

Go back about six months: Danielsand had at least three threads going on this subject. He was fortunate, no bent valves and was able to repair. Lots of writeup.

 

I'll try to find Danielsand write up to learn more. thanks