Is there a way to check the timing chain/tensions to see if it's bad before taring into engine? Or at least by removing a valve cover?

 

I would like to know tooo anyone

 

That's all you have to do. I found the right valve cover easier than left. There are two types of plastic tensioners, the early ones, '97 - '98 tensioned the chain only with oil pressure. The plastic second effort added a spring between the tensioner body and the 'shoe' supporting the chain. Both can have body splits which are really only visible after removal. Both can have broken 'shoes' that are sometimes difficult to see in place.

Bottom line, if you have plastic tensioners, replace them. Consider using the Lincoln LS tensioners for a substantial savings over any Jaguar parts supplier.

Look alphabetically under 'Tensioners' for more information than you ever wanted to know at this link:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=29800

 

It is difficult to tell if the tensioners are gone withput removing them, unless they have failed to the extent that the plastic shoe has broken away, leaving the tensioner and chain, metal to metal. I found the drivers side cam cover the easiest to remove, as you do not need to remove the air intake to get at it. Having said that, you really need to see both sides. If the shoe is gone, you need to fix it right away, and as was the case in my car. I needed to replace the chains as well. Initially I replaced only the secondary tensioners, which is quite easy, but the chain on the left bank had stretched, so I could not eliminate the "death rattle". As Test Point noted, if you have the plastic tensioners, it is a good idea to get them replaced. I replaced everything, secondary, primary chains, guides and tensioners. You could get away with just the secondary tensioners, if you have not gone metal on metal. It is a simple task, but for real peace of mind I would get the plastic tensioners out and replace the primary guides as well. I suppose the chains are optional, but they are not very expensive. On the metal to metal case, replace the chains also.

What year is your car?

 

it's a 2000. I don't hear any ticking or rattling either.

 

FWIW, a friend at the parts counter of a Ford dealer looked up all of the parts for a 2003 Lincoln LS to do this job. I gave him the VIN # from one I previously owned (V8) and he shot back a price of $415.00 shipped to me. I think he's giving me a discount, but not sure.

I don't understand the Drastic Mark-up for the Jag Parts. Even the lowest price on Fleabay was $700.00

 

Oh yea...

Is it possible to see the Primary Shoes without removing the whole front of the engine?

Inspection mirror? Borescope?

 

Mirror, no. Borescope, better but probably not completely. See the pictures at this post for what you would be looking for: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...t=30620&page=8

The $415 sounds like ALL the parts for primary and secondary including chains. I replaced two tensioners and 4 bolts for less than $120.

 

Thanks for the link!

I think what I'll do is pull the easy valve cover. If I see a plastic tensioner there, I'll plan to do the whole thing.

If I see a metal one, I'll try to look and see if I can spot the Primaries (plastic or metal ID) with a borescope. If I can't verify, I'll just plan on doing it all.

Yes, the $415 was for everything.

 

Hey guys I'm about to take on the tensioners myself...right side bank broken thought I had a fuel pump problem car died on me on the freeway, hope the valves aren't bent love the car how could they fail so poorly in its design...

 

I know this may sound like not a big deal to you, but if your going to do you secondary tensioners, and of course I've never done them when they break without doing a whole chain job. I recommend doing the complete chain job, with chains, tensioners, guides, cover seals, crank seals etc... Also, you do have the tools to do it right.???? I have done the secondaries without them breaking, and if that was the case, I would say go for it, but I would do the whole job. Let me know how it works out.

 

Hi
You should look at all of the posts in the threads I am giving you. They are closely related to your inquiry.
Look at this recent thread -Secondary Chain Replacement (11-27-10). It has links to lots of information about this issue. https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...05&page=#2

Also use the link (in the Secondary Chain Replacement) to go to a webpage dedicated to the tensioners issue. Look at the DIY Post & Articles dropdown menu, then menu item "inspection". Inspection menu item leads you to a thread (Inspection of secondary chain tensioners) about using a mirror to view the tensioners, also instructions & photos on how to do it.

Then look at the other posts in the Secondary Chain Replacement thread.

Please post a reply in this thread to let us know what leads we are giving you actual gives you the information you are looking for. This would be most helpful to us in answering future help requests.