Another tensioner question

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May 17, 2011 | 12:27 PM

jagownershlpr

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Another tensioner question

Hey all and or anybody out there. My uncle owns an 01 xk8 and he needs his primary tensioner and chain replaced and has enlisted me as his manual labor. Per his description he came out of the store and the vehicle would not start and once it did it sounded like a rock tumbler and he cut it off immediately. Took both valve covers off to find it needed chains and tensioners but was wondering what about the valves? Should I tear down further to see if the valves need to be replaced and if so do I send them off to a machine shop? It has been years since I did any major motor work but since I do collision work it is assumed that I am in the know. haha please help!

May 17, 2011 | 01:24 PM

test point

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From: Ellijay

I would install the new tensioners and chains and set/verify the cam timing first to be able to check compression. If you broke the chain you should be able to rotate the exhaust cam until you can get all the exhaust valves closed and be able to do the compression test before the replacement/timing. If you can get the intake cam into the alignment position (flat alignment surface up) none of the pistons are at TDC and then you can rotate the exhaust cam.

You mention primary tensioners but the ones that usually fail are the secondary, exhaust cam, tensioner/chains. Check out the FAQ sticky at the top of the XK8/R forum to find several links to everything you wanted to know about the work.

Chains can jump a link and do no damage or they can bend a valve. The chain can also break and leave the exhaust cam in a position to do no damage. Taking the head off to see is way down my list of things to do first.

. . . and welcome to the forum! All are here to help.