Cam Chain Tensioner...
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Cam Chain Tensioner...
Hi. I'm a newbie here -- and would sure appreciate any advice from knowledgeable people about preventatively doing something about the cam timing chain tensioner issue.
I have a 1998 XJ8L with just a tad under 65,000 miles. I purchased it new in California (if that matters) and have owned it ever since. As you can imagine, with 65,000 miles, it is not my daily driver.
I recently read about the cam timing chain tensioner issue. The engine on my car has not had a problem as of yet.
So here is my question. What should I have done preventatively for the cam chain tensioners? What needs replacing -- guides? tensioners? chains? About how much is a reasonable cost for a preventative job? I'm pretty sure I shouldn't wait until it fails.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
I have a 1998 XJ8L with just a tad under 65,000 miles. I purchased it new in California (if that matters) and have owned it ever since. As you can imagine, with 65,000 miles, it is not my daily driver.
I recently read about the cam timing chain tensioner issue. The engine on my car has not had a problem as of yet.
So here is my question. What should I have done preventatively for the cam chain tensioners? What needs replacing -- guides? tensioners? chains? About how much is a reasonable cost for a preventative job? I'm pretty sure I shouldn't wait until it fails.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Gloucestershire, UK
Cam Chain Tensioner
Hi SportyandMisty
If you want to have total peace of mind and many many hastle free enjoyable miles in your XJ8, the best thing to do is have the lot done in one go.
Firstly, there can sometimes be NO pre-warning that the tensioners are on the brink of eating your engine for breakfast, not until there is one hell of a BANG!
There is no point in replacing just the top (secondary) tensioners, as the cost of the primary tensioners is very low, plus, whilst the engine is partially stripped, it makes financial sense to have the whole lot done at once.
DO NOT listen to those people who suggest that you don't need to change the chains, guides, gaskets as the frontal part of the engine will need to be removed, along with the sump.
Chains will stretch over time, the guides can crack (the new versions are alot stronger)
A proper garage will replace the following:
Primary Tensioners
Secondary Tensioners
New Shorter bolts for the Tensioners
Chain Guides
All Chains
Valve cover Gaskets x2
Sump Gasket
Spark plug (binocular) gaskets
Frontal Engine cover gasket
New Oil
New Oil filter
I had my XJ8 LWB done recently, and this was completed by my local Jag specialist.
Don't expect much change from circa 1,300 pounds (GBP)
I was lucky (VERY LUCKY) I have attached some photos for your reference.
The tensioners had totally broken apart (skies) and my Jag specialist recovered the broken tensioners in the SUMP!!!
If you want to have total peace of mind and many many hastle free enjoyable miles in your XJ8, the best thing to do is have the lot done in one go.
Firstly, there can sometimes be NO pre-warning that the tensioners are on the brink of eating your engine for breakfast, not until there is one hell of a BANG!
There is no point in replacing just the top (secondary) tensioners, as the cost of the primary tensioners is very low, plus, whilst the engine is partially stripped, it makes financial sense to have the whole lot done at once.
DO NOT listen to those people who suggest that you don't need to change the chains, guides, gaskets as the frontal part of the engine will need to be removed, along with the sump.
Chains will stretch over time, the guides can crack (the new versions are alot stronger)
A proper garage will replace the following:
Primary Tensioners
Secondary Tensioners
New Shorter bolts for the Tensioners
Chain Guides
All Chains
Valve cover Gaskets x2
Sump Gasket
Spark plug (binocular) gaskets
Frontal Engine cover gasket
New Oil
New Oil filter
I had my XJ8 LWB done recently, and this was completed by my local Jag specialist.
Don't expect much change from circa 1,300 pounds (GBP)
I was lucky (VERY LUCKY) I have attached some photos for your reference.
The tensioners had totally broken apart (skies) and my Jag specialist recovered the broken tensioners in the SUMP!!!
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 629
Likes: 120
From: California, USA
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Gloucestershire, UK
Tensioners
You're not wrong!
The Jag specialist could not believe what he found, so much so that he asked me to choose his lottery numbers due to the fact that I am now known at this garage as "Mr Lucky"
The Jag specialist could not believe what he found, so much so that he asked me to choose his lottery numbers due to the fact that I am now known at this garage as "Mr Lucky"
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