Howdy folks,

Sorry to have my first post as a disastrous one. My mechanic replaced all 4 tensioners, 4 chains, and the timing chain guides on my 1998 XJ8. He didnt use the lock tool to keep the chain aligned and now the timing is off. . . .and the car will not start. Of course, I am kicking myself in the butt for using such a mechanic not familiar with Jaguars. The damage is done. If anyone could lend a suggestion/advice on how to set the timing chain correctly; that would be tremendous help. Just like everyone else here . . looking for a solution . . not a lesson. Thanks folks . .glad to be a part of the forums.

-Chester86

 

There is a complete pictorial of the entire primary/secondary tensioner and guides replacement on the XK8/R FAQ Sticky. Here is the direct link. You will have to download a 6meg .pdf file but it is about as good as it gets to address your problem.

http://www.mediafire.com/?mijhydngtog

Oh, welcome to the forum by the way. Hope you have better posts in the future.

 

Thanks! I actually followed that pdf in the process of replacing the tensioners, guides, and chains. Unfortunately, I wasnt able to lock in the sprocket which caused it to run. Now the car does not start and I was hoping for any detail guidance on how to set the timing chain. Thanks in advance folks!

 

Chester:
I am not surw what you are asking. Do you have the spanner tool with two pins on it? If not, you need to get one either by buying or building it.

 

I did not use that prior to removing the timing chain and its components. That is why the timing is not correct and the pulley was moved. I just wanted to find out how to set the timing correctly. Thanks!

 

Well, the pdf is about as good as you can get- Just start about page 25.
Basically, starting where you are, loosen the 4 pulleys (so you do not crash the valves). turn the crank until you can put the plug in the flywheel. Then turn the cams (vise grips on the non lobe portion) until you can install the cam holders. Take up the slack as defined in the write up and make sure you "unwind" the VVTs. Tighten the pulleys, as in the write-up. Your chance at the "simple", no special tools method ended when you loosened the bolts.