Hello, first post on the forums here. I have a Jaguar Xj8 1998 Vanden Plas with just under 100,000 on the clock. I have had her over a year and have been constantly worried about whether the engine is healthy or not when she runs I can't help but hear a pinging noise. Attached is a video of the car running. Any thoughts if I'm just being paranoid or is there something going on? Any input is much appreciated.

 

welcome . do compression test and use stethoscope to know exactly where that noise coming from . what type of tensioners do u have? metal or plastic?

 

At the time of my purchase of the car I didn't know about the plastic tensioner issue so I never asked the original owner if he had them replaced. I have been meaning to reach out and ask. Since I don't know I have always just assumed that the tensioners were never replaced.

 

​​​​​​pull the camcover and take a look if it's plastic change the secondary tensioner asap it's easy and not that expensive probably 100$ including camcover gasket .

 

Don't you need specialized tools such as a Camshaft lock? Also what about the lower tensioners are those less prone to breaking?

 

they're less prone to break . of course it's better to change everything if u can do it then go ahead it's not that hard if u have fix some cars . high quality kit under 350$ including chains and timing chain cover gasket . check

black onyx did great job

http://www.mediafire.com/file/wnuacw...ement.pdf/file

 

Don’t risk it. Primary tensioners might get weak and old but they don’t usually wreck an engine.

 

Noah,

That is a pretty noisy engine, might be tappets (valve clearances), I think the first thing I would do is check the oil level and color, it may need an oil and filter change, and I would fill with fresh10/40.

It is also a good thing to check if the timing chain tensioners have been updated, remove the passenger valve cover and you can see the secondary tensioners, if they are brown/orange both the primary and secondary tensioners should be updated,

 

What are the differences between normal 5W-30 and 10W-40? Thanks for all the input from everyone! Also am I correct that an oil change is 7.5 quarts.

 

10-40 has a very slightly greater viscosity than 5-30. Modern oils allow for a low viscosity oils like 5-30 and car manufacturers like to boast slightly greater mpg figures from them, but many believe that a slightly more viscous oil like 10-40 gives better pressure at the timing chain tensioners. It's a subject that can be argued ad infinitum!.

As for the capacity, yes an oil and filter change is approx 7-to-7.5 quarts

 

Thanks, I'll start by changing the oil and will take a look under the valve covers when I have time. I'll post on my findings.

 

I think you have the sequence backwards: check the secondary tensioners as soon as possible. Most engines are destroyed if the tensioners break. Lots of threads, herein. Read up. Better to be safe.

Although your noise seems to be more from the injectors.

 

The first thing to do is to try to determine whether it is from a crankshaft (conrod) bearing or not.
Do you have the knock when starting from cold or does it appear only when the engine warms-up?
With the engine idling (and knocking), engage the transmission. Does the knock disappear or get quieter?
You can also try this by switching the AC on (compressor engaged) and engaging the transmission. Do you notice any changes in the knock intensity or does it stay the same?

 

What was said before... don't skimp on a total tensioner overhaul, I have seen more than one butchered chain guide.

BUT AS IMPORTANT, if my EAGLE EYES still work , I see that the coolant hoses on the expansion tank are REVERSED .... change them immediately if so.

 

I agree

 

Nice catch Eric, those coolant lines are certainly reversed.

 

In addition to the suggestions posted earlier, check for exhaust leak(s) as well.

 

Wow you really do have eagle eyes. Thanks Eric. I am awaiting a callback from the previous owner if I dont hear back soon I'll just open them up. But I won't be driving it till I know for sure. DO NOT want engine damage!

 

Noah,

The coolant lines should be connected as follows.......................

 

Just fixed the cooling lines, thanks again I would have never known. Additionally I have just ordered all the parts to do the tensioner upgrades. Will send update after it's all said and done.